Dwarf Tree Anemone

aeonium sedifolium

Also known as: ["Dwarf Tree Anemone","Little Tree Aeonium"]

Family: Crassulaceae Genus: Aeonium Category: Succulents & Cacti

Overview

A small, compact succulent with rosettes of fleshy, green leaves and yellow star-shaped flowers.

Benefits & Perks

["drought tolerant","low maintenance","aesthetic foliage","rare/collector’s item"]

Botanical Classification

Phylum: Magnoliophyta
Class: Magnoliopsida
Order: Saxifragales
Family: Crassulaceae
Genus: Aeonium
Botanical Name: Aeonium sedifolium

Plant Characteristics

Basic Information
  • Category: Succulents & Cacti
  • Suitable Location: indoor pot with bright light or outdoor rock garden
  • Suitable For:
    Beginners Busy People (low Maintenance) Indoor Plant Lovers Outdoor Landscapers Pet Owners (non Toxic Plants Only)
  • Is Weed: No
  • Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
  • Climate: {"temperatureRange":"10–30°C"}
  • Hardiness: {"zones":"9–11"}
  • Misting: rarely required, only if ambient humidity is very low
  • Drainage: Fast-draining
  • Soil Type: Well-draining cactus or succulent mix with added perlite or coarse sand
Maintenance Level
  • Maintenance Level: low
  • Toughness Level: high
  • Pruning Frequency: Annually or as needed to remove dead stems or control size
  • Pruning Intensity: Light to moderate; remove only dead or overgrown stems unless significant reshaping is required
Care Details

Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Bright indirect light for 6–8 hours daily; can tolerate direct morning sun but requires shade from intense afternoon sun, especially in summer.

Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate gradually to direct sun to avoid scorching; place in a spot with filtered light during peak summer hours; indoors, place near an east or south-facing window with sheer curtains.

Warning Signs: Wilting despite moist soil, yellowing leaves, or root rot indicate poor drainage or overwatering; stunted growth or pale leaves suggest nutrient deficiencies or poor soil quality.

Care Requirements

Care Difficulty
easy

easy

Sunlight

full sun to partial shade

Rotate plant weekly for even growth; provide shade during hottest part of day; avoid direct afternoon sun in summer.

Watering

every 7–10 days during active growth, reduce in winter

Water deeply but infrequently; avoid waterlogged soil; adjust frequency with seasons.

Soil

well-draining, sandy or gritty soil mix

pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0–7.0)

Ensure pots have drainage holes; avoid heavy garden soil; top-dress with fresh soil annually.

Temperature

Prefers mild temperatures between 60–75°F (15–24°C); can tolerate brief dips to 40°F (4°C) but thrives in warmth; avoid prolonged exposure to extreme heat or cold.

Protect from frost; avoid sudden temperature swings; maintain consistent warmth during active growth.

Fertilizing

every 4–6 weeks during growing season

Dilute fertilizer to prevent burn; apply to moist soil; stop feeding in dormant periods.

Propagation

Methods

Stem cuttings

Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
  1. Take a healthy stem cutting.
  2. Let it callus for 1–2 days.
  3. Plant in moist propagation medium.
  4. Keep lightly moist until roots develop.

Best Time: Spring or early summer when the plant is actively growing

Environment

Warm, humid environment with bright indirect light; maintain temperatures around 70°F (21°C)

Medium

Well-draining mix of cactus soil and perlite (1:1 ratio)

Hormone

Optional, but rooting hormone can speed up the process

Timeline

Roots typically form in 2–4 weeks; new growth appears in 6–8 weeks

Tools Needed

Clean scissors or knife, rooting hormone (optional), small pots, well-draining soil mix

Quick Tips

Allow cuttings to callus before planting; use a humidifier or plastic bag to maintain humidity; avoid overwatering new cuttings.

Pruning & Repotting

Pruning Guide
Method

Snip stems just above a leaf node or junction; avoid cutting into old wood unless necessary

Pruning Plan

Prune to maintain shape, encourage bushier growth, and remove dead or leggy stems; best done in spring before active growth begins.

Tools

Clean, sharp pruning shears or scissors

Checklist

Sterilize tools; prune in early spring; remove dead or damaged stems; shape as desired

Repotting Guide
Best Season

Spring, when the plant is entering its active growth phase

Pot Size

One size up from current pot (e.g., from 4-inch to 5-inch pot)

Method

Remove plant gently; trim any dead roots; place in a slightly larger pot with fresh, well-draining soil; water lightly after repotting

Suggestions

Repot every 2–3 years or when roots fill the pot; beneficial for refreshing soil and providing space for growth.

Checklist

Choose appropriate pot size; use fresh soil mix; trim roots if crowded; water sparingly after repotting

Advanced Care Tips

Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist

Check soil dryness; water deeply; ensure drainage; adjust seasonally

How to Apply Water Properly

Water directly at the soil level, ensuring even moisture without wetting leaves. Water until it drains from the bottom, then discard excess to prevent root rot. Water in the morning to allow foliage to dry.

Pro Tip: Use a watering can with a narrow spout to target the soil precisely and avoid splashing leaves.
Watering Schedule Tips

Water sparingly, allowing soil to dry completely between waterings. Reduce frequency in winter to once every 3–4 weeks; increase slightly in summer to every 1–2 weeks, depending on heat and humidity.

Soil Improvement

Add perlite, coarse sand, or pumice to standard potting soil to enhance drainage; incorporate organic matter like compost for fertility.

Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues

Chlorosis (yellowing leaves), leaf drop, stunted growth, or blackened leaf tips from cold; wilting, sunburned patches, or shriveled leaves from excessive heat.

Cold Stress

Low temperatures slow growth and can cause root damage or leaf discoloration; prolonged cold may lead to fungal infections or rot.

Solution: Move to a warmer location; insulate pots with bubble wrap; avoid placing near drafty windows or doors; reduce watering in cold conditions.

Hot Stress

Excessive heat can cause dehydration, leaf scorch, or wilting; may lead to premature dormancy or reduced vigor.

Solution: Provide shade during peak heat; increase humidity with misting or a pebble tray; water more frequently but ensure proper drainage; move to a cooler spot if possible.

Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist

Use diluted fertilizer; apply during growing season; avoid winter feeding

Fertilizing Method

Use a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer diluted to half strength; fertilize monthly during spring and summer; avoid feeding in fall and winter.

Common Problems & Solutions

Yellow leaves in Aeonium sedifolium can indicate various issues, including nutrient deficiencies, overwatering, or pest infestations, which may affect the plant's overall health and vigor.

Wilting in Aeonium sedifolium is often a sign of water stress, either from under or overwatering, which can lead to root damage and reduced photosynthetic efficiency.

Leaf spots on Aeonium sedifolium may be caused by fungal or bacterial infections, resulting in unsightly damage, reduced photosynthesis, and potential leaf drop.

Rotting, particularly root or stem rot, can occur in Aeonium sedifolium due to excessive moisture, leading to decay, loss of structural integrity, and potential plant death.

Toxicity Warning

Cats
Non-toxic

Aeonium sedifolium is not known to be toxic to cats. There are no documented cases of adverse effects from ingestion by felines.

🌿 Toxic Parts:
none
⚡ Toxic If:

if eaten

No specific safety precautions are necessary for keeping this plant around cats.
Dogs
Non-toxic

Aeonium sedifolium is not known to be toxic to dogs. There are no documented cases of adverse effects from ingestion by canines.

🌿 Toxic Parts:
none
⚡ Toxic If:

if eaten

No specific safety precautions are necessary for keeping this plant around dogs.
Humans
Non-toxic

Aeonium sedifolium is not known to have toxic effects on humans. It is generally considered safe for ingestion, though it is not typically consumed as a food source.

🌿 Toxic Parts:
none
⚡ Toxic If:

if eaten

No specific safety precautions are necessary for handling or growing this plant around humans.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How often should I water Aeonium sedifolium?

A: Water sparingly, allowing the soil to dry out completely between waterings.

Q: Does Aeonium sedifolium need full sun?

A: It thrives in bright, indirect light but can tolerate some direct sun.

Q: Is Aeonium sedifolium toxic to pets?

A: No, it is non-toxic to dogs and cats.

Quick Reference
Family: Crassulaceae
Care: easy
Light: full sun to partial shade
Water: every 7–10 days during activ
Suitable For: ["beginners","busy people (low maintenance)","indoor plant lovers","outdoor landscapers","pet owners (non-toxic plants only)"]
Get Expert Care Tips

Download the Plantious app for personalized care reminders and plant identification!

Google Play App Store
Share This Plant

Related Plants

Pinwheel Aeonium, Haworth's Aeonium
View
Mountain Houseleek
View
Japanese Orostachys
View
Siebold's Stonecrop
View