Aeonium 'Moonburst' is a striking succulent cultivar celebrated for its vibrant tricolored rosettes, displaying a captivating blend of creamy yellow centers, bright green inner leaves, and often reddish or pink outer edges. This visually dynamic plant adds a burst of color and architectural interest to succulent collections and arrangements, offering a relatively easy-to-grow and eye-catching specimen.
 
Key Features of Aeonium 'Moonburst'
Tricolored Rosettes: The most distinctive feature is its stunning rosettes displaying a gradient of creamy yellow at the center, transitioning to bright green inner leaves, and often finished with vibrant reddish or pink margins. The intensity of these colors can vary with light exposure and temperature.
Relatively Large Rosettes: Compared to some other Aeoniums, 'Moonburst' can produce fairly substantial rosettes.
Clustering Habit: Over time, it tends to form clusters of rosettes as it matures.
Smooth, Fleshy Leaves: The leaves are typically smooth and fleshy, arranged in a somewhat flattened rosette.
Stems: Grows on short, stout stems.
Potential for Yellow Flowers: Mature plants may produce star-shaped, yellow flowers on tall flower stalks, though this is usually a monocarpic event for individual rosettes (the rosette that flowers will eventually die, but surrounding rosettes will continue to grow).
 
Care for Your Aeonium 'Moonburst'
Light: Prefers 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 colors is often best with ample light.
Soil: Requires well-draining soil to prevent root rot. A commercial cactus and succulent mix is suitable.
Watering: Water thoroughly when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch during the active growing season (typically spring and autumn). Reduce watering significantly during the summer dormancy and winter months. Aeoniums have different growth cycles than many other succulents.
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 weather.
Humidity: Adapts well 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.
Repotting: Repot every 1-2 years or when the plant has outgrown its container, ideally in spring or autumn (during its active growth).
Pest Control: Monitor for common succulent pests such as aphids and mealybugs. Treat any infestations promptly with appropriate methods.
Dormancy: Be aware that Aeoniums can go dormant in the heat of summer, during which they may drop some leaves and require very little watering. They will resume active growth in cooler months.
Flowering: If a rosette flowers, it will eventually die. However, the surrounding rosettes will continue to grow and propagate. You can remove the flower stalk if you wish to prevent this monocarpic death, though some enjoy the floral display.
 
Propagation Methods for Expanding Your Collection
Stem Cuttings: The most common and reliable method. Take healthy stem cuttings, 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. Spring and autumn are the best times for taking cuttings.
Offsets: As the plant matures and forms clusters, you can carefully separate the offsets (smaller rosettes growing around the main one) and pot them individually. Ensure the offsets have some of their own roots before separating them.
Leaf Cuttings: While possible with some Aeoniums, leaf propagation is generally less successful with many cultivars, including 'Moonburst'.
 
Aeonium 'Moonburst' is a visually stunning and relatively easy-to-care-for succulent that brings a vibrant splash of color and architectural interest to any collection. Its tricolored rosettes and clustering habit make it a delightful and rewarding plant to grow.
 
 
* 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.