Aeonium Castelo-Paivae Variegata ‘Suncup’ Care & Propagation

Aeonium Castelo-Paivae Variegata ‘Suncup is a succulent plant from the family Crasaulaceae. Suncup is a very cute cultivar that grows quite small and is perfect for containers.

Description

Aeonium Suncup grows as small shrub with the main stem branching out and ending in rosettes. Each rosette can measure up to about 8-10 cm, depending on conditions it’s grown in.

If Aeonium Suncup is grown in shade the leaves will be wider and longer whereas plants grown in full sun will be more compact and smaller. This cultivar usually grows to approximately 20cm height and width.

The leaves are green and cream with pink edges if the plant is grown in a sunny position. In the shade, the pink is unlikely to come through.

Flowering of this plant can be random, depending on the age and location of the plant. Most of the time Aeonium Suncup flowers in late winter-early spring. A cone of yellow flowers will grow out of the centre of the rosette. The flowers last for approximately a month then the rosette will die.

The flower spike, including the rosette it is shooting out off can be cut down completely. It is unlikely the whole plant will die when flowers appear, only the rosettes that have flowered.

Propagation

Aeonium Suncup easily propagates from cuttings. Although it is possible, it can be difficult to propagate from leaf or seed.

The best time to propagate is in early spring. As with most Aeoniums, Aeonium Suncup is a summer dormant plant and difficult to propagate during the summer months. In mild climates with no frost, propagation can be done in late autumn and throughout winter as well.

After cutting an offset or a branch, leave in a shaded, dry spot for about 24 hours and then plant either directly in the garden or in succulent potting mix in a pot. Keep in bright shade with a bit of morning sun/filtered light to maintain the colour and hardiness of the plant. Roots should appear in 3-4 weeks.

Position & Care

Aeonium Suncup is more delicate than other Aeoniums and can burn in direct sun during summer.

It is recommended that this plant is kept in bright shade/ under 30% shadecloth over the hottest days of summer and not exposed to sun. It should also be watered if the soil has been dry for a while, even during dormancy.

The best position for Aeonium Suncup is morning sun, however, it can also be grown in bright shade. Plants in shade will grow larger, longer leave with less colour and plants in sun will grow compact and will develop a pink edge. In the cooler months, Suncup will happily grow in full sun.

Aeonium Suncup is not frost tolerant and will die if exposed to freezing temperatures. If grown in cold climate countries, Suncup can be brought indoors for the worst of winter.

Aeonium Suncup is suitable to plant in shaded part of a garden as well as in pots. Pot plants should be kept in bright shade in summer.

For best result, water when the potting mix/soil has dried up. Suncup will cope with droughts, but to prevent soil becoming hydrophobic, it should be watered regularly.

Aeonium are dormant in summer and grow in the cooler months, unlike most other succulents. It is best they are left alone in summer, though they will need to be watered when temperatures rise.

Pests

Aeonium Suncup, especially if grown in pots, is susceptible to mealy bugs and aphids.

Mealybugs are very attracted to this plant and can either hide in-between the leaves, close to the stalk or attack the root system.

Aphids often appear when the weather starts warming up in early spring and are more easily spotted as they tend to attack the centre of the rosettes, though, sometimes can also hide on the undersides of the leaves.

Caterpillars and snails are also known to feed on aeonium leaves.

Where Can I Buy It

Aeonium Suncup may be a bit harder to come by. It might be more readily available in its growing season (best to buy in spring). If it can’t be found in nurseries/garden centres, online nurseries usually stock this plant.