How to Grow Aichryson - Planting & Caring

By Sharon & Team   /   Succulents Category   /   2023

Aichryson, also known as Portulacaria or Elephant's Food, is a low-growing, succulent plant native to Africa. It is a popular plant for growing in containers, as it does not require much care or attention. Aichryson is a drought-tolerant plant, and can even tolerate some neglect. It is a fast-growing plant, and can quickly fill in a bare spot in your garden.

How to Grow Aichryson - Planting & Caring

Growing Easiness

Is it easy to grow Aichryson plant? While this plant is not difficult to grow, it does require a little bit of care. For example, it needs to be kept in a sunny spot and watered regularly. However, if you follow these simple instructions, you will have no problem growing this plant.

Plant Size

How big can it be? Sometimes, Aichryson can reach a height of 15-30 cm. When fully grown, the plant has a rosette of fleshy, oblong-oval leaves. The flowers are small and tubular, blooming in shades of white, pink, or purple.

Growth Rate

How fast is the growth? Although Aichryson plants are not especially demanding, they perform best in average to slightly above-average soil with good drainage. They also prefer full sun to partial shade, although some species will tolerate light shade. When grown in rich soil, they may need occasional fertilization.

Aichryson Basic Knowledge

Plant Form Succulent
Family Crassulaceae
Origin Canary Islands, Azores, Madeira, Morocco

Lifespan, Perennial or Annuals

How long is the lifespan? The reason I'm asking is because I want to get an idea of how long this plant can live. Aichryson is a plant that can live for many years. The plant is known for its ability to tolerate drought and heat, making it a good choice for those who live in hot, dry climates. The plant is also known for its ability to attract bees, which makes it a good choice for those who are interested in beekeeping.

Ideal Temperature

What is the ideal temperature? known that in the summer the optimum temperature for this room, in winter it is desirable not higher than 59 ° F, if it is in the rest period without irrigation, it can withstand 41 ° F.

Humidity

What about the humidity? Since Aichryson is a Mediterranean plant, it requires low humidity to survive. The plant will not tolerate wet or soggy conditions, so make sure the pot has good drainage. Allow the topsoil to dry out between watering, and do not water again until the soil is dry to the touch. If the leaves start to wilt, that is a sign that the plant is not getting enough water.

Light Requirement

What amount of light this plant needed? The Aichryson plant is a low light plant that can grow in most any type of indoor lighting. However, for best growth, bright sunlight is suitable.

Soil Composition

What is good soil for Aichryson? known as the Aichryson Laxum, this plant is a perennial that is a member of the family of plants that include the stonecrops, sedums, and sempervivums. The Aichryson Laxum is a low-growing plant that reaches a height of only about four inches. The plant has leaves that are fleshy and have a blue-green color. The Aichryson Laxum blooms in the springtime and the flowers are yellow in color. The plant is native to the island of Madeira.

Watering Time

How much I must water Aichryson? The reason you let the top layer of soil to dry up is because the Aichryson plant is a succulent. They are native to the Canary Islands, Morocco, and Madeira. They can grow to be about 6 inches tall and 3 inches wide. The leaves are a blue-green color and the flowers are a white or pale pink color.

Fertilizing and Nutritient

About fertilizer. Eventually, you will need to fertilize your Aichryson. I suggest using a cactus fertilizer because it has a lower nitrogen level which is what Aichryson needs. You can find this type of fertilizer at most garden stores. During growth, every 2-3 weeks to feed fertilizer for cacti. Remember to fertilize very lightly. Aichryson are light feeders and too much fertilizer will cause them to stop growing.

Reproduction

How to reproduce Aichryson? Sometimes, a gardener may want to take a stem or leaf cutting from a plant to propagate it. This is often done with plants that are difficult to propagate via seed. In order to take a stem or leaf cutting, the plant material must first be dried. Once it is dry, the gardener can then put it in sand and water to encourage rooting. It is also possible to propagate Aichryson plants from seed.

Bloom

Why Aichryson won't bloom? Common aichryson (Aichryson tortuosum) is a low-growing, spreading succulent that blooms plentifully in yellow flowers in spring and summer. The blooms are followed by tiny black berries. Aichryson tortuosum is native to the Canary Islands and Morocco.

Transfer or Repotting

How much I must water Aichryson? Since Aichryson is a short-lived perennial, it is necessary to replant it every 2 years in the spring.

Caring The Aichryson

How to care the plant? The plant is a perennial and will grow back each spring. Cut the plant back to the ground in late winter before new growth begins.

Pests & Challenges

What is the challenge when caring Aichryson plant? The Aichryson plant is a perennial succulent that is native to the Canary Islands. The plant is affected by spider mites and mealybugs. Root rot is possible with excessive watering.

Toxic & Poisonous Type

Are Aichryson poisonous? known as button bush, is a flowering shrub that is native to North America. The plant is also found in Europe, Asia, and Africa. Button bush is a member of the Asteraceae family and is related to the sunflower. The plant grows in wet areas, such as marshes and swamps. Button bush gets its name from the small, round, button-like flowers that grow on the shrub. The flowers are white or pale pink and have yellow centers. Button bush is a popular landscaping plant because it is easy to grow and it is tolerant of wet conditions. The plant can be invasive, however, and it can crowd out native plants.