Aeonium ‘Sunburst’ is a branching succulent with large rosettes of variegated green and white leaves edged in bright, coppery red that stand up on stalks up to 18 inches (45 cm) tall. The white flowers bloom in summer on mature plants.

Aeoniums do not like really hot or dry weather. They may go dormant in summer and do not require any water, except in very dry conditions. In extreme heat, their leaves will curl, to prevent excessive water loss. Growing them in moist shade will keep them growing, but their true growth season is winter to spring, when temperatures are cool (65–75˚F / 18–24˚C) and damp. In the winter, water whenever the soil has dried out. Test by poking your finger down into the soil an inch or two. Too much moisture or allowing them to sit in wet soil will cause root rot. A sandy loam or regular potting mix is better than a mix specifically for cacti and succulents, since Aeonium need some moisture. If you are growing them in containers, repot every 2 –3 years with fresh potting soil.

Growing Conditions

Water: Aeoniums do not like really hot or dry weather. They may go dormant in summer and do not require any water, except in very dry conditions. In extreme heat, their leaves will curl, to prevent excessive water loss. Growing them in moist shade will keep them growing, but their true growth season is winter to spring, when temperatures are cool (65–75˚F / 18–24˚C) and damp. In the winter, water whenever the soil has dried out. Test by poking your finger down into the soil an inch or two. Too much moisture or allowing them to sit in wet soil will cause root rot.
Soil: A sandy loam or regular potting mix is better than a mix specifically for cacti and succulents, since Aeonium need some moisture. If you are growing them in containers, repot every 2 –3 years with fresh potting soil.
Fertilizer: Feed during the growing season with a half strength balanced fertilizern , every month or so. Do not feed while dormant.

Propagate Aeoniums by stem cuttings, except for unbranched species which die after flowering and are propagated from seed. Take cuttings when the plant is actively growing, usually fall in USDA zones 9 through 11. Aeoniums go dormant in summer; cuttings taken while plants are dormant don’t root. Each leaf rosette dies after it blooms.

General Care for Aeonium ‘Sunburst’

Although it does love full sun, ‘Sunburst’ is able to be grown indoors if it receives enough light. Like all Aeoniums, ‘Sunburst’ bruises easily. If your succulent has bruises, they will not harm the plant. New leaf growth will be normal.

Watering

Aeonium ‘Sunburst’ has typical watering needs for a succulent. It’s best to use the “soak and dry” method, and allow the soil to dry out completely between waterings.

Where to Plant

Aeonium ‘Sunburst’ is not cold hardy, so if you live in a zone that gets colder than 30° F (-1.1° C), it’s best to plant this succulent in a container that can be brought indoors. It does well in full to partial sun, but can also be grown indoors.

Plant in an area of your garden that gets 6 hours of sunlight a day. If planting indoors, place in a room that gets a lot of sunlight, such as near a southern-facing window (if you’re in the Northern Hemisphere).

How to Propagate Aeonium ‘Sunburst’

Aeonium ‘Sunburst’ is easily propagated from stem cuttings. This succulent is monocarpic, so after it flowers, the main plant will die. However, it can take several years for ‘Sunburst’ to bloom.

Cuttings

To take a cutting of an Aeonium ‘Sunburst,’ use a sharp, sterile knife or pair of scissors. Cut the stem away from the main cluster, and allow the cut to callous over for a few days before planting in well-draining soil.