Aeonium Mardi Gras is a captivating succulent with eye-catching colors that add flair to any garden or indoor space. This easy-to-grow plant is perfect for both novice and experienced gardeners alike. In this post, I will guide you through the best practices for general care, where to plant, and how to propagate your Aeonium Mardi Gras.
How to Care for Aeonium Mardi Gras
This stunning succulent was developed by crossing Aeonium ‘Zwartkop’ and Aeonium undulatum, resulting in a plant with striking colors and a unique rosette formation. Aeonium Mardi Gras is a testament to the art of plant breeding, combining the best traits of its parent plants to create an exceptional and eye-catching addition to any garden or indoor space.
Watering
Aeonium Mardi Gras prefers well-draining soil that dries out between waterings. Over-watering can lead to root rot and other issues, so it’s essential to allow the soil to dry before watering again. During the summer, you can expect to water your succulent once every 7-10 days, while in the cooler months, once every 3-4 weeks should suffice.
Where to Plant
When selecting a location for your Aeonium Mardi Gras, it’s essential to consider sunlight and temperature. This succulent thrives in partial shade to full sun, so be sure to provide it with at least 6 hours of sunlight daily. Avoid placing your plant in scorching, direct sun, as it can cause sunburn or stress. As for temperature, Mardi Gras thrives in hardiness zones 9b-11, but it can be grown indoors in colder climates as long as it is protected from freezing temperatures.
Summary
Care for Aeonium Mardi Gras by watering sparingly, allowing soil to dry between waterings. Plant in partial shade to full sun, providing 6 hours of daily sunlight. Thrives in hardiness zones 9b-11.
How to Propagate Aeonium Mardi Gras
Propagating your Mardi Gras is an easy and rewarding process, allowing you to grow more plants for your collection or to share with friends. There are two primary methods of propagation: stem cuttings and offsets.
Stem Cuttings
- Select a healthy, mature stem from the mother plant and use a clean, sharp pair of scissors or pruning shears to make the cut.
- Allow the cutting to dry for a few days to form a callus over the cut end, preventing infection and rot.
- Once the callus has formed, place the cutting in a pot with well-draining soil, and water sparingly to encourage root growth.
- After a few weeks, roots should begin to form, and your new Aeonium Mardi Gras plant will start to grow.
Offsets
- Look for offsets or “pups” growing at the base of the mother plant.
- Carefully separate the offset from the mother plant using a clean, sharp knife or pruning shears.
- Allow the offset to dry for a couple of days, forming a callus on the cut end.
- Plant the offset in well-draining soil, water sparingly, and wait for the roots to establish.
Fertilizing Aeonium Mardi Gras
While Mardi Gras doesn’t require frequent fertilization, providing your succulent with some extra nutrients during its active growing season can encourage more robust growth. Use a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer diluted to half strength once every 4-6 weeks during spring and summer. Avoid fertilizing during the winter months, as this is the plant’s dormant period.
Pruning and Maintenance
To maintain a tidy and compact appearance, it’s essential to periodically prune your plant. Remove any dead, damaged, or leggy stems using clean, sharp pruning shears. Regularly inspect your plant for pests such as mealybugs or aphids, and treat them promptly with insecticidal soap or other appropriate measures. A well-maintained Aeonium Mardi Gras will not only look better but will also be healthier and more resistant to disease and pests.
Summary
Propagate Aeonium Mardi Gras using stem cuttings or offsets. Allow cuttings to callus before planting in well-draining soil. Fertilize with half-strength, water-soluble fertilizer every 4-6 weeks during growing season. Regularly prune and inspect for pests.
Where to Buy
Buy Mardi Gras from Succulents Depot