Grow Lights for Aeonium: Dark Rosettes and Winter Growth
Grow lights for aeonium supply the very bright light these rosette succulents need when they spend winter indoors. The University of Wisconsin Extension says aeoniums can be houseplants if very bright light is available, and that they will not survive Midwestern winters outside. A close fixture on a long day fills the gap.
The short answer
Aeoniums need direct sun, so use a bright full spectrum LED set 6 to 12 inches above the rosettes and run it 14 to 16 hours a day. Water deeply in the growing season and let the mix dry between waterings. Expect slow summer growth.
How much light does aeonium need?
Wisconsin Extension says aeoniums need direct sunlight and lists leaves in solid green, green with creamy yellow, bronzy purple or dark purple. The UC Cooperative Extension Sacramento County lists aeonium among full sun succulents. Indoors, the University of Minnesota Extension notes that plants lacking light grow long, thin stems and can turn pale.
Which grow light suits aeonium?
Minnesota suggests 6 to 12 inches between light and plant for flowering houseplants and 14 to 16 hours a day for that group, the closest of its categories to a high light succulent. White or balanced lights suit most plants, per Minnesota. Compare fixtures in grow lights for cannabis and see led light distance cannabis for spacing. A unit from grow light timers runs the schedule.
Why does aeonium close up in summer?
Wisconsin explains that in their native habitat these plants grow in spring and fall and go dormant during the hot, dry summer. The UC Sacramento guide places aeonium in its summer dormant, winter grower group, resting from May through August with little or no summer water. Wisconsin adds that in the Midwest they often grow through summer. Each rosette dies after it blooms, and cutting off rosettes holds the plant smaller.
Aeonium light basics
| Factor | Target | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Light | Direct sun or very bright light | Wisconsin Extension |
| Distance | 6 to 12 inches | Minnesota Extension |
| Hours | 14 to 16 | Minnesota Extension |
| Rest period | Summer, May to August | UC Sacramento |
| Soil | Porous, drains fast | Wisconsin Extension |
Sources: University of Wisconsin Extension, UC Cooperative Extension Sacramento County, University of Minnesota Extension.
How to: step by step
- Pot the aeonium in porous mix with a drainage hole.
- Hang a full spectrum LED 6 to 12 inches above the rosettes.
- Set a timer for 14 to 16 hours through winter.
- Water deeply, then let the mix dry thoroughly.
- Water less if the plant slows in summer.
- Acclimate the plant gradually before moving it outdoors.
Troubleshooting
Stretched stems: too little light, so lower the fixture or lengthen the day.
Sunburn after moving outside: Wisconsin warns that abrupt full sun can burn indoor plants, so move them out in stages.
Rosette dying after bloom: normal for aeonium, per Wisconsin.
Give aeonium a bright winter
A close fixture lets aeonium carry its rosettes through the dark months. Kind Seed Co also stocks cannabis seeds for growers who want the same lights on another crop.
Sources
- Aeonium, University of Wisconsin Extension Horticulture
- Succulents (GN 175), UC Cooperative Extension Sacramento County
- Lighting for indoor plants and starting seeds, University of Minnesota Extension
FAQ
Why does aeonium close up in summer?
Wisconsin Extension says these plants go dormant in hot, dry summer in their native habitat.
How many hours of light in winter?
Minnesota Extension suggests 14 to 16 hours a day for flowering houseplants, a good match for high light succulents.
Why did my dark aeonium turn green?
Wisconsin lists green and dark leaved forms. Minnesota notes low light can turn variegated leaves solid green, so check light first.
Can aeonium go outside in summer?
Yes, but Wisconsin Extension says to acclimate plants gradually to full sun.
How far should the light be?
Minnesota Extension suggests 6 to 12 inches for flowering houseplants.
