Aeonium Medusa, a succulent plant of the Crassulaceae family, is a variegated variety of the Purple Velvet. The leaves of Aeonium Medusa grow at the ends of stems and branch tips, forming rosette leaf clusters. The leaves are inverted ovate, with eyelash-like filaments on the edges. The middle of the leaves near the heart tends to be green, but as they mature, the leaves may turn purplish-black. The blackish color in the middle of the leaves resembles thick black lines, hence the name "Aeonium Medusa."
Aeonium Medusa has water-retention capabilities and strong drought resistance but cannot tolerate waterlogging. During its growth period, Aeonium Medusa requires moderate watering. Generally, watering Aeonium Medusa every 7 to 15 days to keep the soil moist is recommended. In summer or winter when Aeonium Medusa stops growing, water should be reduced to maintain dry soil.
Aeonium Medusa has low fertilizer requirements as its root system stores ample nutrients and water for its growth. During the maintenance period, fertilization should be applied according to the growth status of Aeonium Medusa. Healthy plants can be fertilized every 30 days with diluted fertilizer, while those with poor growth can be fertilized every 15 days. In spring and autumn, apply diluted fertilizer once a month, ensuring that the fertilizer does not splash onto the leaves. Propagation is mainly done by cuttings, with rosette leaf clusters being cut for propagation in early spring, and side shoots emerging from the remaining stems. If cuttings are done in early summer, both the survival rate and the emergence of shoots on the stems will be affected.
Maintenance Tips for Aeonium Medusa:
Choose suitable soil: Aeonium Medusa needs to grow in fertile, loose, and well-aerated soil. It is recommended to use a mixture of cinder, decomposed leaf soil, and peat soil for cultivation, or a mixture of loam, river sand, and granular medium soil. Choose pots with good drainage, and for tall pots, place stones at the bottom to create a filtration layer, with the depth of the filtration layer preferably exceeding half the height of the pot.
Provide a warm and sunny environment: Aeonium Medusa loves warm, dry, and sunny environments. During the growth seasons of spring and autumn, make sure to place it in a sunny and well-ventilated location. In summer, avoid exposure to strong sunlight and move it to a cool and ventilated place for dormancy. In winter, if the temperature drops below zero degrees Celsius, move Aeonium Medusa indoors to avoid frost damage.
Pay attention to watering: During the summer dormancy period, Aeonium Medusa does not need to be watered. Simply place it in a cool and ventilated place for dormancy. Excessive watering in summer can lead to root rot and decay. Even if the leaves wither, do not water them. Aeonium Medusa will naturally wake up in autumn, so there is no need to worry. Remember, summer is not suitable for outdoor maintenance.
Special care: In summer, avoid exposure to heavy rain followed by strong sunlight, as this can cause root problems. Aeonium Medusa has low cold resistance. If it is a single-headed plant, consider pruning to promote side shoot growth. During the growth seasons of spring and autumn, apply slow-release fertilizer once a month. In winter, reduce the frequency of watering, and you can also use supplementary lights to enhance lighting to maintain the plant's good condition. These maintenance tips will help you successfully cultivate healthy Aeonium Medusa plants and appreciate their charming beauty.