Aeonium 'Zwartkopf'

Spring-Autumn · Indoors

Feed a general fertiliser

Give a general purpose feed two or three times during the growing season, preferably not within a month of its end so the plant isn't encouraged to make fresh young growth.

Where food elements are listed as three numeric values on the label representing in order Nitrogen(N)-Phosphorus(P)-Potassium(K), with percentage values for each, choose one where the values are more or less equal.

Spring-Autumn · Indoors

Water when compost is dry

Allow the compost to become virtually dry before watering while in growth.

Spring-Autumn · Outdoors

Feed a general fertiliser

Give a general purpose feed two or three times during the growing season, preferably not within a month of its end so the plant isn't encouraged to make fresh young growth.

Where food elements are listed as three numeric values on the label representing in order Nitrogen(N)-Phosphorus(P)-Potassium(K), with percentage values for each, choose one where the values are more or less equal.

Spring-Autumn · Outdoors

Water regularly during growth

Water regularly while in growth.

Adopt a regime that means the plants are thoroughly watered every week so that they do not become dessicated. In hot weather watering may need to be more frequent, but less often in cool or moist conditions.

Winter · Indoors

Water sparingly during dormancy

In its dormant period give very little water, keeping the soil barely moist. Dormancy is likely to be during the winter and the plant recommences growth in early to mid spring.

When a plant enters dormancy the leaves fade, go yellow and then brown. Eventually the whole plant may 'disappear' or unadorned stems may remain.

Winter · Outdoors

Water sparingly during dormancy

In its dormant period give very little water, keeping the soil barely moist. Dormancy is likely to be during the winter and the plant recommences growth in early to mid spring.

When a plant enters dormancy the leaves fade, go yellow and then brown. Eventually the whole plant may 'disappear' or unadorned stems may remain.

Indoors

Water with rain water

This plant needs rain water or soft water (the minerals in alkaline or "hard" water are harmful). This is especially important for plants in pots.

Indoor temperature · Planting

10C minimum temperature

This plant requires a minimum temperature of 10 Centigrade.

Compost · Planting

Cactus compost for repotting

Use standard cactus compost. Top the soil with grit or granite chips to ensure perfect drainage around plant stem. Repot when the plant is dry and delay watering for 3 days after repotting.

You can also make own compost using 3 parts John Innes no. 2, 1 part horticultural grit, and 1 part horticultural grade perlite or pumice. There are many 'recipes' available and opinions vary widely - consult specialist literature or websites.

Indoor plant · Planting

Position in a sunny spot, but not mid-summer sun

This plant likes a sunny spot and needs full light at all times, but not the mid-summer sun which is too intense and can scorch the plant.