Aeonium 'Mardi Gras' is a visually stunning succulent cultivar celebrated for its vibrant and ever-changing foliage colors, reminiscent of the festive spirit of its namesake. This striking plant forms attractive rosettes that display a captivating blend of greens, yellows, reds, and creams, often with variegation that shifts and intensifies with the seasons and light exposure, making it a prized addition to any succulent enthusiast's collection.
 
Key Features of Aeonium 'Mardi Gras'
Variegated Rosettes: The most distinctive feature is its rosettes of fleshy leaves displaying a mix of colors, typically including green, yellow, cream, and often vibrant red or pink along the margins or central stripes.
Dynamic Color Changes: The intensity and distribution of the variegation can change throughout the year in response to light levels, temperature fluctuations, and growth stages.
Relatively Large Rosettes: Compared to some other Aeoniums, 'Mardi Gras' can form fairly substantial rosettes.
Tree-like Growth Habit: Over time, it develops a branching, shrubby structure with rosettes at the tips of its stems.
Occasional Yellow Flowers: Mature plants may produce conical clusters of small, star-shaped yellow flowers, typically after a period of dormancy. Note that flowering usually leads to the death of the flowering rosette, but the plant often produces offsets to compensate.
 
Care for Your Aeonium 'Mardi Gras'
Light: Thrives in bright, indirect sunlight to maintain its vibrant colors. While it can tolerate some direct morning sun, intense afternoon sun, especially in hot climates, can scorch the leaves. The intensity of the variegation is often enhanced with good light.
Soil: Requires a well-draining soil mix to prevent root rot. A commercial cactus and succulent mix is suitable.
Watering: Water thoroughly when the top inch of soil feels dry during the active growing season (typically spring and autumn). Reduce watering significantly during the summer dormancy and cooler winter months. Aeoniums generally prefer slightly more moisture than some other succulents but are still susceptible to overwatering.
Temperature: Prefers mild temperatures and is generally not frost-tolerant. Protect from freezing conditions. It can tolerate some heat but may go dormant in very hot summer conditions.
Humidity: Adapts to average humidity levels. Good air circulation is beneficial.
 
Maintenance for a Thriving Plant
Removing Dead Leaves: Regularly remove any dead or dried leaves from the base of the rosettes and along the stems.
Repotting: Repot every 1-2 years or when the plant becomes root-bound. Choose a pot only slightly larger with good drainage. Spring is usually the best time for repotting.
Pest Control: Monitor for common succulent pests such as aphids, mealybugs, and scale. Treat any infestations promptly with appropriate methods.
Pruning: Pruning can be done to shape the plant or to propagate stem cuttings. Be aware that cutting back stems may encourage branching.
 
Propagation Methods for Expanding Your Collection
Stem Cuttings: A reliable method. Take healthy stem cuttings a few inches long, allow the cut ends to callus over for a few days, and then plant them in well-draining soil. Keep the soil lightly moist until roots establish.
Head Cuttings: If a rosette becomes leggy, the head can be cut off, allowed to callus, and then planted. The remaining stem may also produce new offsets.
Offsets: Mature plants often produce offsets or "pups" around the base, which can be carefully separated and potted individually once they have developed their own roots.
 
Aeonium 'Mardi Gras' is a truly captivating succulent that offers a dynamic display of color and form throughout the year. Its relatively straightforward care and ease of propagation make it a rewarding addition to any succulent collection, bringing a continuous sense of festive vibrancy.
 
 
* Picture and information intended only as a guide.  Size and colours of plants will vary, not any 1 plant is exactly the same and minor variations will occur.
 
** All plants will be posted bare rooted.