Aeonium ‘Lily Pad’: The Sticky-Leafed Succulent You Need to Know About

Aeonium ‘Lily Pad’ is a hybrid succulent that is possibly a cross between A. bethencourtianum and A. lindleyi. It is native to the Canary Islands and is known for its thick, fleshy leaves that grow in a rosette shape. The leaves are typically green, but some varieties may have variegation or a purple hue. Aeonium ‘Lily Pad’ is also notable for its small, yellow flowers that appear on tall stalks.

One of the most unique things about Aeonium ‘Lily Pad’ is the sticky, gummy texture of its leaves. It’s a strange but fascinating feature that sets this plant apart from others in the Crassulaceae family.

Cultivation

Aeonium ‘Lily Pad’ thrives in bright, indirect sunlight and well-draining soil. It is tolerant of a wide range of temperatures, but it does not do well in extreme heat or cold. If you live in an area with extreme temperatures, be sure to protect your Aeonium ‘Lily Pad’ during heat waves and frost.

When planting Aeonium ‘Lily Pad’, be sure to use a pot with a drainage hole and a succulent-specific soil mix. This plant can be propagated through stem cuttings or seeds. To propagate through stem cuttings, cut a healthy stem from the plant and allow it to callous over for a few days before planting it in soil. To propagate through seeds, sow the seeds in a well-draining soil mix and keep them moist until they germinate.

Aeonium ‘Lily Pad’ is Monocarpic and Will Have a Death Bloom

Aeonium ‘Lily Pad’ is a captivating succulent renowned for its fleshy leaves that form a rosette shape, resembling a water lily. It’s essential to bear in mind that Aeonium ‘Lily Pad’ is monocarpic, which means that it flowers only once in its lifetime and eventually dies. This is affectionately called the Aeonium bloom of death. This process of flowering and dying is a natural and inevitable part of the plant’s life cycle. As it matures, it will produce a tall stem with bright yellow flowers that create a stunning visual display. However, after the blooming is over, the plant will gradually wither away. Even though this might seem disheartening, it’s crucial to note that Aeonium ‘Lily Pad’ will produce offsets or “pups” before it dies, which can be separated and grown as new plants, ensuring the plant’s legacy continues.

Care

Aeonium ‘Lily Pad’ should be watered deeply, but infrequently, allowing the soil to dry out completely between waterings. It is important not to over-water the plant, as it is susceptible to root rot. During the growing season, it is beneficial to fertilize Aeonium ‘Lily Pad’ with a succulent-specific fertilize every few weeks.

Aeonium ‘Lily Pad’ is generally a low-maintenance plant, but it can be susceptible to pests such as mealybugs and aphids. These pests can be controlled by spraying the plant with a neem oil solution or by wiping the leaves with a cotton ball soaked in rubbing alcohol. Root rot can be a concern if the plant is overwatered, but it can be prevented by allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.

One interesting thing to note about Aeonium ‘Lily Pad’ is that it tends to form offsets on branches and then into little mounds. This can give the plant an interesting, multi-dimensional appearance.

Uses

Aeonium ‘Lily Pad’ is an attractive plant that can be used in a variety of settings. It is well-suited for use in rock gardens or as a border plant in a garden bed. It can also be grown in pots as a houseplant. There are no known medicinal or culinary uses for Aeonium ‘Lily Pad’.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Aeonium ‘Lily Pad’ is a beautiful and unique succulent that is sure to add interest and beauty to your garden or home. Its thick, sticky leaves set it apart from other plants in the Crassulaceae family, and its ability to form offsets and mounds gives it a multi-dimensional appearance. Just be sure to give it bright, indirect sunlight and well-draining soil, and it will thrive. Whether you are an experienced gardener or a beginner, Aeonium ‘Lily Pad’ is definitely a plant worth trying. Its low-maintenance requirements and tolerance for a wide range of temperatures make it a great choice for anyone looking to add a unique and interesting plant to their collection.

If you are considering adding Aeonium ‘Lily Pad’ to your garden or home, be sure to keep in mind its need for bright, indirect sunlight and well-draining soil. Pay attention to watering and fertilizing schedules, and watch out for pests such as mealybugs and aphids. With the right care, Aeonium ‘Lily Pad’ will thrive and add a touch of whimsy to your space.