5 Types of Greenovia Succulents [With Pictures]

Greenovia is a genus that was recently placed with Aeonium which belongs to the family of Crassulaceae. There are only five species in this genus and they are all tiny plants that love the sun. They grow up to about 6 inches in height when they are mature and are found in parts of the Canary Islands in northwestern Africa.

Greenovia plants are grayish-green in color and have squatted bodies. Some varieties also have a rose tinge at the edge of their leaves which has earned them the classification of rose succulents.

These leaves are oval or paddle-shaped and are nestled against each other in layers like rose petals. If you touch them, you will notice that they are smooth and fleshy. When the rose succulents are mature, the older petals turn pink in color and start to move away from the body of the flower. If you want more of these plants, wait for the offsets which can be divided away and planted separately.

They are not as easily found as some other succulents. So, if you are lucky enough to find one of these, make sure you know how to take good care of them.

Types of Greenovia Succulents

Greenovia aizoon (Aeonium aizoon)

Greenovia aizoon is a perennial succulent that forms a clump of tiny, dark green rosettes, with dead leaves persisting on the much-branched very reduced stems. The flowering stem is about 15 cm high, terminating in a flat head of small yellow flowers.

Greenovia aurea (Aeonium aureum)

Greenovia aurea is a monocarpic perennials succulent plant that forms a dwarf prostrate clump reaching a height between 30 and 45 centimeters. It bears cup-shaped rosettes of leaves and deep yellow flowers in the spring.

Its leaves are rounded and spathulate, with a short point or tip, grey-green-velvet covered with a bluish-green waxy layer. Greenovia aurea also forms a corresponding hibernation stage in summer, with the younger leaves forming a dense, narrow cylinder while the older leaves wilt but are still attached to the rosette, protecting it further against drought.

The rosette takes a rose-bud shape and closely resembles a bright green rose. It is cultivated by succulent plant enthusiasts and is the most commonly grown Greenovia.

Greenovia diplocycla (Aeonium diplocyclum)

Greenovia dodrantalis (Aeonium dodrantale)

Greenovia sedifolia (Aeonium sedifolium)

Greenovia sedifolia is a perennial densely branched shrublets to 40 cm. It can be easily identified by its dense, dwarf habit and very small shinny sticky leaves marked with crimson lines at the apex. Greenovia sedifolia is the smallest-leaved Greenovia commonly in cultivation.

How to Grow and Care for Greenovia

Caring for plants is more than just about growing the plant itself or maintaining a garden. For a lot of people, it is an act of self-care because research has shown that it can improve mood and help reduce stress.

In that context, succulents are a popular choice for novice gardeners because they are relatively easier to care for. Here’s a care guide on Greenovia, a type of succulent. Greenovia is much like other succulents when it comes to care instructions.

Light

Like all other succulents, these plants thrive in brightly lit spaces that are warm. Patios are a good place in the summer but you must move them outdoors gradually. You want the plant to get light but it must not be exposed to maximum heat and brightness during the day. This leads to the scorching of the plant.

Watering

As is the case with succulents, you must water these plants only when the topsoil gets dry. And in winter, give it half the amount of water as you did in summer. When the plant starts to grow again in spring, bring it back to its summer routine.

Soil

These plants require a well-drained pot and gritty potting soil. You can grow them through the seeds before the bloom season. Many of these plants are monocarpic which means they flower only once and then die. So, if your plant does not flower at all, you don’t have the chance to create a Greenovia garden. These plants grow to be bulky and must be repotted with fertile medium soil every few years.

Fertilizing

Winter is the best time to fertilize these plants. But you can fertilize them as you would fertilize cacti and other succulents in spring too. Just make sure not to do so in summer if you have a rose succulent because that is when they are dormant. Check the instructions on the package.

But as a thumb rule, get half-strength balanced fertilizer and feed the plants on a monthly basis when they are actively growing. This will promote health and lush growth.

Climate

Greenovia plants, in general, grow well when the humidity is low and the climate is mild in summer and in terms of rain. They can be grown in patios or balconies or in pots too such that they experience sunny mornings but are in shade during the afternoon.

These plants are also not great with frost. They can handle some amount of cold weather, but if they are left exposed in extreme winter, they will bite the dust.

Pests and Diseases

This is an important thing to look out for at the end of seasons when it is time to move the plants back in. Experts suggest rubbing the plant with neem oil or 70 percent alcohol spray to keep the pests away. Keep an eye on the leaves of the plant and if you see any insects crawling around, get your spray out and begin pest control right away.

How to Propagate Greenovia

As mentioned earlier, these plants are quite rare to find. So, if you have one, you must use the seeds from the flowers to propagate them. When you are dealing with small seedlings, remember to spray water with a bottle. You increase the watering level once there are multiple sets of leaves. That is also when you move them into bigger containers.

You can also propagate these plants with the offsets that are growing at the plant’s base. Get a knife, separate them and plant them in clean soil in a shallow tray. Care for them like an adult Greenovia plant.

FAQs

How Do You Collect Greenovia Seeds?

These plants can be grown from pups of adult Greenovia plants. This means when you see the heads of flowers emerging, you can bag them and catch the seeds which can be sown in shallow trays inside the house.