Aeonium Garnet (The Irish Eyes Plant)

Aeonium Garnet is a captivating hybrid succulent, sporting deep burgundy-red rosettes that create a striking visual impact. Resulting from a cross between Aeonium arboreum and Aeonium ‘Zwartkop’, this hybrid is cherished for its dramatic appearance, clumping growth habit, and adaptability to various garden or container arrangements.

How to Care for Aeonium Garnet

Sun Exposure and Temperature

Aeonium Garnet also known as the Irish Eyes Plant, thrives in full sun to partial shade. Ideally, it needs about 6 hours of sunlight per day. Too little sunlight can lead to etiolation or stretching of the plant, whereas excessive direct sunlight may cause sunburn. This succulent prefers temperatures between 65-75°F (18-24°C) but can tolerate occasional mild frosts.

Watering

Garnet requires infrequent watering, as it stores water in its fleshy leaves. Allow the soil to dry out completely between waterings, then water deeply until water drains from the pot’s bottom. Overwatering may cause root rot, so ensure your pot has drainage holes.

Soil

A well-draining soil mix is essential for Garnet. A mix of cactus or succulent soil with added perlite, pumice, or coarse sand is ideal. Maintaining a soil pH of 6.0-7.0 is optimal for this plant.

Summary

Care for Aeonium Garnet with 6 hours of daily sunlight, infrequent watering, and well-draining soil mix. Thrives in 65-75°F temperatures and requires soil pH of 6.0-7.0.

How to Propagate Aeonium Garnet

Stem Cuttings

To propagate Aeonium Garnet through stem cuttings, select a healthy stem, and cut it cleanly with sterilized scissors or a sharp knife. Let the cutting dry for a few days to allow the cut end to callous over. After the callous has formed, plant the cutting in a well-draining soil mix, and water sparingly until new roots emerge.

Offsets

Offsets or “pups” are another propagation method for Irish Eyes. Gently remove an offset from the mother plant, ensuring it has some roots attached. Allow the offset to dry for a day or two before planting it in well-draining soil. Water sparingly until the offset establishes itself.

Fertilizing Your Aeonium Garnet

The Irish Eyes Plant does not require frequent fertilization. Feed your plant with a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength once or twice during the growing season (spring and summer). Avoid fertilizing during dormancy in winter, as this may encourage leggy growth.

Common Pests and Diseases

Aeonium Garnet is relatively pest and disease-resistant. However, watch out for mealybugs, aphids, and spider mites. Treat infestations with insecticidal soap or neem oil. Overwatering may lead to root rot, so ensure proper watering practices to maintain a healthy plant.

Summary

Propagate Aeonium Garnet through stem cuttings or offsets; fertilize sparingly during growing season. Resistant to pests and diseases, but monitor for infestations and avoid overwatering.

Where to Buy

You can buy Aeonium Garnet from Etsy