Crassulaceae
Aeonium canariense (Giant Velvet Rose)
Aeonium canariense
Grow Aeonium canariense in full sun to partial shade with sharply draining, mineral-rich soil. Water moderately, letting the soil dry out completely between waterings, and cut back watering almost entirely in winter. Overwatering is the single biggest threat to this plant, quickly leading to root and stem rot. It tolerates cool temperatures down to about 5°C but will not survive prolonged frost.
Every 14 days
Bright indirect
5° - 35°C
30% - 50%
Categories
What is Giant Velvet Rose?
Giant Velvet Rose (Aeonium canariense) is a easy-care plant from the Crassulaceae family. Aeonium canariense, commonly known as the Giant Velvet Rose or Canary Island Aeonium, is a perennial succulent endemic to the Canary Islands and native to the laurel forest edges and high-mountain scrub of the archipelago. It forms large, velvety rosettes of spirally arranged leaves that can reach 1...
Giant Velvet Rose grows up to 1.0m, spread of 30cm, watering every 14 days, 5°C – 35°C, 30–50% humidity. It is suitable for indoor environments and safe for pets.
Unlike many tropical plants, Giant Velvet Rose tolerates watering mistakes. Best for beginners. Unlike many popular species, Giant Velvet Rose is safe to keep around pets. Without adequate drainage, root rot can develop within 28 days.
How to Care for Giant Velvet Rose?
TLDR: Giant Velvet Rose needs Bright indirect, watering every 14 days, and temperatures between 5-35°C with 30-50% humidity.
How Often Should You Water Giant Velvet Rose?
Water deeply every 10-15 days during spring and summer, always allowing the substrate to dry out fully between waterings. Reduce watering to a minimum, or stop altogether, during the winter dormant period.
How Much Light Does Giant Velvet Rose Need?
Provide bright light, ideally full sun to light partial shade. Greenhouse-grown plants should be hardened off gradually before full sun exposure to prevent leaf scorch.
What Is the Best Soil for Giant Velvet Rose?
Use a fast-draining mineral mix, such as two parts pumice or volcanic gravel to one part light potting soil, to keep the roots from sitting in moisture.
What Pot Should You Use for Giant Velvet Rose?
A terracotta or unglazed clay pot with generous drainage holes helps excess moisture evaporate quickly.
Care Schedule
Repot
Every 730 days
What Is Giant Velvet Rose and Where Does It Come From?
Aeonium canariense, commonly known as the Giant Velvet Rose or Canary Island Aeonium, is a perennial succulent endemic to the Canary Islands and native to the laurel forest edges and high-mountain scrub of the archipelago. It forms large, velvety rosettes of spirally arranged leaves that can reach 15 to 30 cm across. In spring and early summer, mature rosettes send up a tall flowering stalk, up to 1 meter high, topped with clusters of small, star-shaped yellow flowers. The species is monocarpic: each rosette dies after flowering, though the plant persists through offsets produced at its base.
How to Propagate Giant Velvet Rose?
Offset division
This is the easiest and fastest way to propagate Aeonium; always use clean, sterilized tools.
- 1 Locate a rooted offset growing at the base of the mother plant
- 2 Carefully separate it with a clean knife, keeping roots attached if possible
- 3 Let the cut callous over for 1-2 days in a dry, shaded spot
- 4 Plant in well-draining mineral soil and wait a few days before watering
Materials needed:
Stem cutting
Avoid watering until roots are visible to prevent stem rot.
- 1 Cut a stem section with a healthy rosette at the tip
- 2 Let the cut callous for 3-5 days in a dry, airy spot out of direct sun
- 3 Insert the calloused base into lightly moist mineral soil
- 4 Keep in bright indirect light until roots establish
Materials needed:
Seed sowing
The slowest and least predictable method, mainly useful for growing genetic variation.
- 1 Sow onto fine, well-draining soil, covering seeds lightly
- 2 Keep evenly moist but never soggy, in bright indirect light
- 3 Germination occurs within a few weeks at mild temperatures
- 4 Transplant seedlings once large enough to handle
Materials needed:
How Big Does Giant Velvet Rose Grow?
TLDR: Giant Velvet Rose can reach up to 1.0m tall with Medium growth rate.
Max height
1.0m
Spread
30cm
Growth rate
Medium
Foliage
Evergreen
Plant Uses
Ornamental
Great for decoration
Is your plant showing symptoms?
Click on the symptom to discover possible causes:
What Diseases Commonly Affect Giant Velvet Rose?
TLDR: Giant Velvet Rose is susceptible to 6 known diseases. Monitor regularly for early detection.
Root Rot
Root rot is a serious fungal disease that affects the root system of plants, causing them to decay and die. It is primarily caused by overwatering, poor drainage, or soil-borne fungi such as Pythium, Phytophthora, Rhizoctonia, and Fusarium. The disease thrives in waterlogged conditions where roots are deprived of oxygen, making them susceptible to fungal infection.
Overwatering
Overwatering occurs when plants receive too much water, depriving roots of oxygen and causing root rot. This environmental stress is one of the most common causes of houseplant death, as waterlogged soil prevents roots from breathing and functioning properly.
Mealybugs
Mealybugs are small, soft-bodied insects covered with a white, waxy, cottony material. They are common pests of houseplants and outdoor plants in mild climates. These sap-sucking insects feed on plant tissue, causing damage, stunted growth, and can lead to plant death if left untreated. They produce sticky honeydew which attracts sooty mold.
Spider Mites
Spider mites are tiny arachnids (less than 1/20 inch long) related to spiders and ticks that feed on plant sap. They thrive in hot, dry conditions and can cause significant damage to ornamental and vegetable plants. During severe infestations, crop losses can reach 14% or higher as these pests disrupt vital plant processes including photosynthesis, carbon dioxide absorption, and transpiration.
Meaning & Symbolism
Like many hardy succulents, Aeonium is often associated with resilience, adaptability, and enduring beauty in harsh conditions.
Fun Facts
It is endemic to the Canary Islands, Spain, where it grows on volcanic rock outcrops and cliffs.
Each rosette is monocarpic, meaning it flowers only once in its lifetime and then dies, while the plant lives on through basal offsets.
The genus name Aeonium comes from the Greek word for ageless or everlasting.
Its velvety leaf texture helps reflect the intense sun typical of its island habitat.
Frequently asked questions
Is Aeonium canariense toxic to cats and dogs?
How often should I water my Aeonium canariense?
Why is my rosette wilting and dying after it flowered?
Can Aeonium canariense be grown indoors?
Compare with similar plants
| Attribute | Difficulty | Light | Watering | Pet Safe |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Field Maple | Easy | Bright indirect | 14d | ✓ |
| Silver Birch | Easy | Direct sun | 14d | ✓ |
| Common Blanketflower | Easy | Direct sun | 10d | ✓ |
| Cushion Bush | Easy | Direct sun | 14d | ✓ |
Choose & Compare
Sources & References
- Complete care of Aeonium canariense: definitive guide to its cultivation and reproduction
- What Are Common Problems with Canary aeonium?
- Aeonium canariense (Giant Velvet Rose) - World of Succulents
- Cuidados completos del Aeonium canariense
- Aeonium (Aeonium, Tree Houseleek) - NC Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox
