Giant Velvet Rose (Aeonium Canariense) is a captivating evergreen succulent with large and fleshy leaves forming like a rose that can grow 6 to 12 inches in diameter. If you love roses, you must see this one!
A Giant Velvet Rose needs slightly more water and less sun than most of the other succulents. It’s lighting, water, and soil requirements must be just right, and the correct temperature and fertilization, and you’ll have a beautiful plant that will more than reward your labors!
How to Grow and Care for the Giant Velvet Rose (Aeonium Canariense)
Since the Giant Velvet Rose (Aeonium Canariense) is succulent, it automatically comes into mind that they don’t require much delicate care compared to other plants.
This is what sets the succulents apart from other plants because not only do they look lovely, but they are also low-maintenance plants.
Here’s what to look out for when growing and caring for a Giant Velvet Rose (Aeonium Canariense):
1. Lighting Requirements
The lighting requirements of this plant are probably where a Giant Velvet Rose (Aeonium Canariense) is different from most other succulents.
They don’t enjoy being exposed to the sun directly. They prefer to grow under partial shade to produce amazing lively green velvety leaves and blossom around winter and spring.
Another unique thing about the Giant Velvet Rose is they prefer a colder environment.
They usually go dormant in summer and get back to flourishing when the temperatures start to get cooler for about 18 to 24 degrees Celsius.
When exposed to the sun, they will change color from fresh green to a reddish-pink tinge.
If you leave them under the sun for longer periods, the leaves will start to curl up as a warning sign to you. It means that they want to cover themselves from the heat and this process helps them save a lot of water.
The conditions in your area will dictate where you should plant your Giant Velvet Rose (Aeonium Canariense). If you live in an area where the temperatures get extreme in summer, it is best to plant them in containers so you can easily transfer them to an area where they can receive partial shade.
But if you live in the perfect condition that The Giant Velvet Rose (Aeonium Canariense) loves, you can plant them directly in the ground and not worry about the lighting requirements.
2. Watering Requirements
When growing succulents, the watering schedule of such plants depends on the environment in which you are located.
In high humid places, the watering schedule of succulents might take longer periods compared to areas with high temperatures. This is a cardinal rule when watering the succulents.
However, aside from the environmental conditions, another factor to consider when watering a Giant Velvet Rose (Aeonium Canariense) is its root system. This plant has a shallow root system which means it needs more water than other succulents.
In summer, they don’t need to be watered because they are in a state of dormancy – except in cases where the soil is completely dried up.
Once they go back to the growth phase, you must water them once every week or two. Be careful not to overwater them because they are as susceptible to root rot as are other succulents.
Remember, always consider the environmental factors in your area before watering.
In winter, you may not have to water them like you used to, because the soil may remain moist for longer periods.
Before you water, check the dryness of the soil first and if it is dry 2 inches from the surface, you shall apply water to them but see to it that it will cause waterlog.
3. Soil Requirements
In terms of soil, the Giant Velvet Rose (Aeonium Canariense) is like other succulents; it loves well-draining soil.
You can use a cactus potting mix combined with perlite to store more moisture while improving the drainage system in the soil.
Since the Giant Velvet Rose (Aeonium Canariense) has a shallow root system, they need to have soil that can hold moisture for long.
Take note, wet soil is totally different from moist soil, hence they still need well-draining soil to be able to grow perfectly.
The challenge, for this one, is if you want to plant the Giant Velvet Rose (Aeonium Canariense) directly in the ground and the soil is not ideal for them.
You really must convert them into containers to grow them. However, you can install a grow bed for them and use a cactus potting mix combined with perlite.
If you don’t have perlites available, you can use coarse sand as a substitute. Use the 2:1 ratio of cactus potting mix and coarse sand or perlite if you live in areas with high temperatures. This will allow the water to drain freely while keeping the soil moist.
For areas with high humidity, you can adjust the mixture into a 1:1 cactus potting mix and perlite or coarse sand. This will encourage the water to drain effectively under humid conditions while keeping the soil moist.
4. Temperature Requirements
Remember, the Giant Velvet Rose (Aeonium Canariense) is the opposite when it comes to temperature. They prefer cooler environments to high temperatures.
Although they thrive in cooler temperatures, they are not tolerant to extreme winter conditions when exposed for longer periods.
For this reason, it is best to plant them in containers so you can easily transfer them inside your home when the temperatures suddenly drop below 18 degrees Celsius.
But if you planted them in grow beds, you could install a greenhouse around them, so they remain protected in extreme winter conditions.
5. Fertilizer
The Giant Velvet Rose (Aeonium Canariense) does not need fertilizing – which is a huge relief to the most collectors. A beautiful plant like this one is usually higher maintenance than this one.
However, they enjoy an additional nutrient to supplement their growth. Feed them only with liquid fertilizer at half strength once every 2 to 3 weeks during their growing season to boost them.
Giant Velvet Rose (Aeonium Canariense) Names and Origins
This lovely succulent is so popular it gained many common names. Some examples are Canary Island Aeonium, Tree Aeonium, Mint Saucer, Hen and Chicks Aeonium, and lastly Giant Velvet Rose which is the most fashionable name of all – and the prettiest.
The Giant Velvet Rose (Aeonium Canariense) is native to the Canary Islands, and it can grow for up to 2 to 3 ft. tall and wide if the right conditions are met.
Interestingly, this plant is oftentimes mistaken for an artificial plant because of its perfectly rounded-shaped leaves.
As with other succulents, the Giant Velvet Rose (Aeonium Canariense) has a flexible character also because it can be planted either directly into the ground or in individual containers.
They are known for their eye-catching appearance once planted in the garden especially if grouped in masses.
They can be mistaken as bonsai when they get shrubby and tall, but you can trim them for propagation or leave them that way; it’s completely up to you.
Final Thoughts
This attractive succulent has the unique characteristics of changing colors depending on the environment. It releases fresh green leaves when grown in part shade and they will turn into soft, fuzzy, and reddish-pink when exposed to the sun.
Unlike other succulents, it is said that the Giant Velvet Rose (Aeonium Canariense) is less striking when blooming but that is a matter of opinion and preference.
It still produces a gorgeous bright golden raceme of small and star-shaped flowers.
The downside, perhaps, of the Giant Velvet Rose (Aeonium Canariense) is they are monocarpic which means they die after producing flowers, but you can still multiply them through propagation before it happens.
Usually, it takes up to several years to happen and not all of them produce flowers at the same time. So, you don’t have to worry about losing your all your Giant Velvet Roses (Aeonium Canariense) together.
A little clever planning on your part and you’ll always have a collection of these beautiful Giant Velvet Roses in your garden for all to enjoy and admire!
Jenny Marie
Tribal Writer
Edited By
Patricia Godwin