Photo: Jacek PietruszewskiCC BY 4.0via iNaturalistresized / cropped
Giant Velvet Rose Plant Care
Aeonium gorgoneum J.A.Schmidt
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
With its unique rosette of pointed, strikingly variegated leaves, this plant originates from the Canary Islands. A favorite among plant collectors for its dramatic appearance, Aeonium gorgoneum is sought after for its rare beauty and ability to thrive in a variety of climates.
Every 14–21 days
Full sun to partial shade
50–80°F
30–60%
At a glance
How do you care for Giant Velvet Rose?
Water Giant Velvet Rose every 14–21 days, letting the top layer of soil dry out between waterings, and give it full sun to partial shade. It prefers temperatures of 50–80°F (10–27°C) and 30–60% humidity. Fertilize it every 6 months during the growing season.
Where Is the Giant Velvet Rose Native To?
What Is the Giant Velvet Rose?
Giant Velvet Rose (Aeonium gorgoneum) belongs to the Crassulaceae family within the Aeonium genus. Giant Velvet Rose is native to Cape Verde.
Giant Velvet Rose displays a rosette-forming succulent growth habit, reaching up to 1.5 ft tall with a spread of approximately 1 ft. Giant Velvet Rose produces clusters of small star-shaped flowers in various colors.
Leaf size: approximately 4 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Giant Velvet Rose?
Aeonium gorgoneum requires watering every 14–21 days. Allow the top layer of soil to dry between waterings to prevent root rot. Reduce watering frequency during winter when growth slows.
Watering Frequency
Every 14–21 days
Let soil partially dry between waterings
What Light Does the Giant Velvet Rose Need?
Giant Velvet Rose thrives in full sun to partial shade.
Light Requirement
Full sun to partial shade
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Giant Velvet Rose Prefer?
Aeonium gorgoneum grows best at temperatures of 50–80°F. Giant Velvet Rose prefers humidity levels of 30–60%.
Temperature
50–80°F
Humidity
30–60%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Giant Velvet Rose?
Sandy, well-draining succulent mix with perlite and pumice. Good drainage is essential for Giant Velvet Rose to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Giant Velvet Rose?
Feed Giant Velvet Rose every 6 months during the growing season (spring and summer) with a balanced fertilizer diluted to the strength on the label.
Pause feeding in autumn and winter, when growth slows, and never fertilize dry soil — water first.
Fertilizing
Every 6 months
During the growing season
The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.
How Do You Repot a Giant Velvet Rose?
Repot every 2-3 years in spring. Choose a pot one size larger than the current container, and ensure it has drainage holes to allow excess water to escape.
How Do You Propagate a Giant Velvet Rose?
Giant Velvet Rose can be propagated through stem cuttings, offsets, seeds. Similar propagation techniques also apply to aeonium plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Giant Velvet Rose Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Giant Velvet Rose, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Keep pets from chewing it as a precaution.
This is a general caution, not veterinary or medical advice. If your pet ate a plant, contact your vet or animal poison control.
See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.
What Pests and Diseases Affect the Giant Velvet Rose?
Giant Velvet Rose is susceptible to aphids, mealybugs, spider mites. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.
Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.
What USDA Hardiness Zone Does the Giant Velvet Rose Need?
Giant Velvet Rose grows outdoors in USDA Zone 10a – 11b. It survives winters down to planting zone 10a. Giant Velvet Rose is native to Cape Verde. In cooler regions, grow Giant Velvet Rose as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 10a – 11b
Keep exploring plants
Giant Velvet Rose is one of many species covered in the complete plant care and identification guide, which groups plants by genus, attribute, and popularity.
It belongs to the Aeonium genus — compare its care with other Aeonium species on PlantoScan.
Aeonium is part of the Crassulaceae plant family — browse all Crassulaceae genera and species.
Giant Velvet Rose thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.
More Aeonium Species
Other Aeonium species in PlantoScan's care catalogue share similar watering, light, and soil preferences:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Aeonium gorgoneum J.A.Schmidt, family Crassulaceae (first published in Beitr. Fl. Cap Verd. Ins. : 258 (1852)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Giant Velvet Rose, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Checked against the ASPCA plant list; any other toxicity note on this page comes from PlantoScan's plant database.
- Photo: Jacek Pietruszewski, CC BY 4.0, iNaturalist — original.
- Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 10a – 11b, estimated from the plant's typical growing conditions.
- Care values(watering, light, temperature, humidity, soil, fertilizing): PlantoScan's plant database, filtered by automatic plausibility checks — values that fail them are hidden. How we source and check plant data.
Spotted a mistake? Email info@upvision.media with the page link — we check and correct reported errors.
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