Hello Rosava, I saw Rudolf a couple of weeks ago and got a range of Aeoniums from him and picked up some of the cultivars from Brian W. in Adelaide. Do you know anything about the origins of the cultivar 'Kiwi', the name would imply a New Zealand connection. Regards Neil

I'd suggest a cactus soil as Aeonium is in the family of Crassulacae (Jades) w/ lots of (40% or more) perlite or pumice to keep it fast draining. If you can find such mix w/out peat, all the better.

Thanks, Josh. I don't think I want something that dries faster, but maybe something that dries more uniformly so I know when to water it. All but the Aeoinium are small plants, but I have many of them in two community pots (previously 3) that are quite deep (terra-cotta colored plastic in the photos above, and the large, cream-colored Aeonium pot). My feeling is that in these deep pots, the top dries very fast, while the deeper grit is still wet, so it's difficult to know when to water. I'm still trying to figure it all out, though. I am loath to de-pot any more plants to check roots, but it appears that my succulents in smaller pots are doing better. That could be because the grit dries faster, but If that were the case, I think the plants in the top of that big Aeonium pot should've looked better than the deeper Aeonium because they dried faster. Also, it wouldn't explain why an Aeonium in wet soil with a Western Sword Fern is doing so well (has been damp to wet all winter), or why some other cuttings have roots growing right through the bottom of their pot and into standing water in the reservoir below. It's really confusing. The last photo below is the bottom of the pot in the second photo. It sits in a cup which, as you can see, accumulates a bit of standing water.

Nice plants. Good for you for knowing their names. I'm new to succulents myself but will share what I have learned here. Reading other postings is very helpful in learning. I assume that larger front pot has a hole in the bottom. I like the aeonium pot best because it isn't too tall. If pots are too tall, there is too much soil in the bottom where roots do not reach. Most established growers here are not fond of commercial cactus and succulent mix unless it is heavily amended with perlite or pumice (often available from places which sell the potting mix). For your plants to survive, you will have to be very cautious and use that meter judiciously because the commercial mix you are using holds more water than the preferred fast draining mix. Even though it looks very nice, personally I am not fond of top dressing as you have done with the sand because I believe it keeps the potting mix damp longer. As for the plant on the far right, aeonium kiwi (a favorite of many here), it will be dormant in the summer heat. Not sure how that will affect it for your conditions since it is inside, but keep in mind that they are looking to rest in the summer. Have fun with your new plants!