How to care for the Cyclops succulent
Main content core guide: A little knowledge about the Cyclops succulent, how to care for it, very useful tips, recommended for collection!
The Cyclops Aeonium 'Cyclops' is a succulent plant from the Crassulaceae family, Rosularia genus, known for its red leaves and large size. It is also called Giant Red Aeonium (Giant Red Rosularia) abroad. Parent plants: Aeonium undulatum x A. arboreum 'Zwartkop', a hybrid of艳姿 and Black Magic. It has a sister variety with the same parent, Aeonium 'Voodoo', both bred by Jack Catlin.
Cyclops is a large variety with erect stems, reaching 0.9-1.2 meters in height, and the diameter of the leaf rosette can reach 30cm. The leaves are inversely ovate, thin, with a blunt tip and short spine, with white fine villi on the edges. The leaves are green but easily turn deep red, with the center of the leaf rosette often showing a distinct green color, resembling a green eye, which is how it got its name.
When the Cyclops is in good condition, the leaf rosette is slightly wrapped, the leaf color is deep red, with a metallic luster, and the center is distinctly green.
The Cyclops blooms with a raceme inflorescence.
Growing habits and care methods for the Cyclops
The Cyclops has a robust nature and is easy to care for. Being a large variety, it can be planted in a larger pot. During the spring and autumn growing seasons, it should be given ample sunlight and watered thoroughly when the soil is dry, avoiding long-term dryness. During the rainy season, it should be protected from prolonged rain. The Cyclops goes dormant in summer and is relatively easy to care for during this period. It can be placed in a bright, well-ventilated area without direct sunlight, with minimal watering or even no water, avoiding a hot, humid environment and prolonged soil moisture, which can lead to root and stem rot. The soil mix for planting Cyclops should be loose and well-draining, such as peat/coconut fiber and particle soil, with a higher proportion of particle soil. Propagation of Cyclops is usually done through stem cuttings, recommended in spring or autumn. More about the care of Cyclops can be referred to the well-known Black Magic.
Left: Cyclops, Right: One of its parent plants, Black Magic
The sister variety of Cyclops, Voodoo Magic
Voodoo Magic Aeonium 'Voodoo' has the same parent plants as the Cyclops, so they have certain similarities. The general distinction is that the Cyclops has a more intense green eye (the center of the leaf rosette turns green), while the Voodoo Magic has a darker color, more towards dark red and purple (more like deep red), and the plant is larger, with a single head clearly prominent. The photo below is of Voodoo Magic.
The detailed introduction above on how to care for the Cyclops succulent is for reference by netizens.