Greenovia Aurea 'Rose Succulent'

Watering is another key component in successfully growing a Greenovia Aurea. As a succulent, the plant has adapted to survive long periods of drought. Therefore, it doesn’t need frequent watering. Too much water can easily cause root rot or affect the plant’s growth significantly. To ensure that you’re not over-watering, check the soil before deciding to water the plant. The soil should be dry to the touch before each watering session. During the growing season, water only when the soil is completely dry. Water lightly when it is needed. In winter, reduce watering as the growth of the plant slows down significantly.

Greenovia Aurea prefers bright light. Although it needs little sun to thrive, the succulent can survive in filtered light or direct sun. To promote bigger and brighter rosettes, ensure that the plant is exposed to an optimal amount of bright light throughout the day. During winter, the light requirements might be lower, depending on the temperature in your area. Avoid direct sunlight in the summer since intense light can damage a Greenovia Aurea’s delicate leaves.

The Greenovia Aurea is an optimal outdoor succulent, thriving in a temperate climate around 65 to 75℉ (18 to 24℃) both in summer and winter. In the summer, temperatures should not exceed 70℉ (21℃). When indoors, the plant’s leaves can get sunburned if exposed to too much, bright light. The same goes for cold temperatures, as the succulent needs to be protected from temperatures cool than 50℉ (10℃). If the temperature gets too cold, the leaves tend to turn yellow and eventually fall off.

The Greenovia Aurea generally prefers low humidity and dry air, and as such it is not a plant that requires much in the way of humidity or misting. However, the rosette should not dry out completely for long periods of time. If the area you are keeping the succulent in is too arid, you may have to mist the plant occasionally or place a humidifier in the area.

Greenovia Aurea needs well-draining soil. You should use specialized soil designed for succulents in order to achieve optimal results. The soil should also be airy and free of clumps. Add some minimal organic components with the specialized succulent soil, such as worm castings. This will help improve the soil texture and drainage.

Greenovia Aurea is not a heavy feeder, so it does not need to be fertilized often. It is best to fertilise during the spring and summer. When adding fertilizer, use an organic, water-soluble fertiliser diluted in water. Fertilise the plant every 2-3 months. Do not fertilise the succulent during the winter as the plant does not actively grow during this period. Avoid over-fertilising as this can burn the roots and deform the leaves. If over fertilised, flush the soil with clean water to get rid of the excess nutrients.

The Greenovia Aurea is relatively pest and disease free but can sometimes be concerned with mealybugs, aphids, and scale insects. Mealybugs often appear on the leaves, stems and sheaths of the succulent. They usually look white or yellow, and these insects often spread quickly. To get rid of mealybugs, spray the plant every few days with a mixture of 1 part rubbing alcohol and 1 part water until the infestation is gone. Aphids may also attack the plant as they feed off of its sap. Their presence can often be detected on the leaves and succulent stalks. To eliminate aphids, use a mixture of 2 parts water and 1 part dishwashing soap with a few drops of neem oil. Spray the solution on the affected area until the insects are gone. Lastly, greenfly, whitefly, and scale insects may infest your plant. To control these insects, try pest oil concentrates mixed in water or insecticidal soap diluted in water.

Repot Greenovia Aurea once every 2 to 3 years. This will give it room to continue to grow. If you notice that the soil of the succulent is rapidly drying out, repot the plant in well-draining soil. The most suitable time to repot the succulent is in early spring or early September when the plant is growing the most. After repotting, give it just a splash of water, and wait a few days before watering it again.

During the summer and spring, Greenovia Aurea does not need much pruning or grooming. This plant grows very slowly which means that pruning is not even necessary. If you want, you can pluck off dead or wilted leaves near the bottom of the plant. Avoid pruning more than 4 or 5 leaves on the same stem. Pruning during this time period will help keep your succulent looking healthier and fuller.

Mulching for the Greenovia Aurea is not necessary; however, it can help protect the delicate roots from extreme temperatures. If you want to add extra protection for the succulent, you can mix coarse sand into the soil. This will help the soil retain moisture and keep it airy.

The Greenovia Aurea can be propagated using stem cuttings. First, select a healthy stem that has a few leaves. Cut about 1 inch of the stem as close to the base as possible. Let this cutting dry for a few days. After the cutting has dried, bury it slightly into a pot filled with succulent soil. Mist the soil with a spray bottle and place the pot in a spot where it will receive bright light. After the soil around the cutting has dried, water it lightly.

As the plant grows bigger, its stem and leaves may need some support. If you are growing your Greenovia Aurea in a planter, you can provide support for its leaves with bamboo sticks or other similar materials.

Greenovia Aurea does not require a hot season to flower or grow well. Less water and low temperatures in fall and winter will reduce growth, but the succulent will survive in cold temperatures. After gradual exposure to cold, the plant will go into a 'rest period', during which it will require less water. During the winter, ensure that the plant gets enough light, but still protect it from intense sunlight.

Greenovia Aurea does not contain toxins that are known to be hazardous to pets. Therefore, the succulent is safe to keep around animals.