Aeonium and Echeveria are two popular types of succulent plants that belong to the Crassulaceae family. Both plants are known for their unique and attractive rosette formation, and are commonly used as ornamental plants in gardens, rock gardens, and as potted plants. However, there are some important differences between these two types of plants. In this blog post, we will take a closer look at the physical characteristics, climate and habitat, cultivation and care, and the main differences between Aeonium and Echeveria.
Dig in!
![Echeveria Silver Queen Succulent Care Echeveria silver queen succulent care aeonium and echeveria](https://www.succulent.care/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/echeveria-silver-queen-succulent-care-1024x683.jpg)
Physical Characteristics
Aeonium Characteristics
Aeoniums have a tall stem and large rosettes, with leaves that are typically thick, fleshy, and arranged in a rosette shape. They can be found in a wide variety of colors, including green, red, and purple. The edges of the leaves have serrated edges which is quite apparent in the picture below.
![Why Aeonium Succulents Lose Leaves Why aeonium succulents lose leaves aeonium and echeveria](https://www.succulent.care/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/why-aeonium-succulents-lose-leaves-1024x683.jpg)
Echeveria Characteristics
On the other hand, Echeverias typically have smaller rosettes with thinner leaves that can range from a blue-gray to a vibrant green color. Echeveria leaves are often curved or folded and have a powdery surface. Echeveria leaves are generally thicker and will have smoother leaf edges.
![Leaf Propagation Echeveria Blue Atoll Succulent Care Leaf propagation echeveria blue atoll succulent care aeonium and echeveria](https://www.succulent.care/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/leaf-propagation-echeveria-blue-atoll-succulent-care-1024x683.jpg)
Size
In terms of size, Aeoniums can reach up to 3 feet tall and 3 feet wide, while Echeveria generally stays smaller, around 6 inches in height and width.
![Can Aeonium Regrow Lost Leaves Can aeonium regrow lost leaves aeonium and echeveria](https://www.succulent.care/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/can-aeonium-regrow-lost-leaves-1024x683.jpg)
Climate and Habitat
Native Habitats
Both Aeonium and Echeveria are native to regions with a Mediterranean climate, such as parts of Africa and Mexico, and therefore prefer similar conditions.
![Direct Sun Can Burn Aeonium Leaves Aeonium and echeveria are both native to regions with a mild mediterranean climate.](https://www.succulent.care/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/direct-sun-can-burn-aeonium-leaves-1024x683.jpg)
Soil Requirements
Aeonium and Echeveria thrive in well-draining soil to prevent stagnant water which causes root rot and fungus to form.
![Soil Echeveria Chihuahuaensis Succulent Care Soil echeveria chihuahuaensis succulent care aeonium and echeveria](https://www.succulent.care/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/soil-echeveria-chihuahuaensis-succulent-care.jpg)
Temperature
However, Aeoniums are more tolerant of cooler temperatures and can handle a light frost, while Echeveria is more sensitive to frost and prefers temperatures above freezing.
![Control The Temperature Control the temperature aeonium and echeveria](https://www.succulent.care/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/control-the-temperature-1024x683.jpg)
Light Needs
When it comes to light requirements, Echeveria is happy when exposed to bright light but will also grow in partial shade, while Aeoniums need some hours of direct sunlight. Too little light will cause both succulents to etiolate or stretch towards the nearest light source.
![Importance Of Proper Lighting Succulents Beginner Mistake Importance of proper lighting succulents beginner mistake aeonium and echeveria](https://www.succulent.care/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/importance-of-proper-lighting-succulents-beginner-mistake.jpg)
Cultivation and Care
Propagation
Aeoniums can be propagated by cuttings or by removing offsets from the base of the plant, while Echeveria can be propagated by leaves, offsets, or by seed. Propagating both by offsets is by far the easiest way to propagate.
![Propagating Aeonium Stem Cuttings Propagating aeonium stem cuttings aeonium and echeveria](https://www.succulent.care/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/propagating-aeonium-stem-cuttings-1024x683.jpg)
Watering Regimen
Both Aeonium and Echeveria are drought-tolerant and only need to be watered occasionally. It’s important to be careful not to over-water them as they can easily rot. Basically water deeply, but infrequently.
![Watering Echeveria Raindrops Succulent Care Two echeveria raindrops succulents next to each other](https://www.succulent.care/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/watering-echeveria-raindrops-succulent-care.jpg)
Pests
Both plants are susceptible to pests such as mealybugs, but Aeoniums are generally hardier and more resistant to pests and diseases than Echeveria. Treat both with neem oil or a systemic insecticide to remediate any pest infestations.
![Inspect Your Aeonium For Pests And Diseases Inspect your aeonium for pests and diseases aeonium and echeveria](https://www.succulent.care/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/inspect-your-aeonium-for-pests-and-diseases-1024x683.jpg)
Key Differences
- Aeoniums have larger rosettes and taller stems compared to Echeverias.
- Aeoniums are more tolerant of cooler temperatures and can handle light frost, while Echeveria prefers higher temperatures.
- Aeoniums need some hours of direct sunlight while Echeveria can grow in partial shade.
- Aeoniums can be propagated by cuttings and by removing offsets, while Echeveria can be propagated by leaves, offsets or by seed.
- Aeoniums are generally hardier and more resistant to pests and diseases than Echeveria.
- Aeonium are monocarpic, meaning they bloom once and die affectionately called a “death bloom“, while Echeveria are polycarpic and can bloom many times over their lifetime.
![Aeonium Sunburst Monocarpic Bloom 04092023 Aeonium sunburst monocarpic bloom 04092023 aeonium and echeveria](https://www.succulent.care/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/aeonium-sunburst-monocarpic-bloom-04092023.jpg)
In conclusion, Aeonium and Echeveria are both beautiful and easy to care for succulent plants, with a few key differences. Aeoniums are taller and have larger rosettes, while Echeverias are smaller with thinner leaves. Aeoniums are more tolerant of cooler temperatures and can handle light frost, while Echeveria prefers higher temperatures. With proper care, both of these plants can add unique beauty to any garden or indoor space.
![Echeveria Desmetiana Succulent Subsessilis Echeveria desmetiana succulent subsessilis aeonium and echeveria](https://www.succulent.care/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/echeveria-desmetiana-succulent-subsessilis.jpg)
![Where To Buy Succulents Online Where to buy succulents online aeonium and echeveria](https://www.succulent.care/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/where-to-buy-succulents-online-683x1024.png)
Where to Buy Succulents Online