How to Grow and Care for Pink Mountain Rose Succulents

The pink mountain rose succulent has an eye-catching shape and a striking dusty pink color. This beloved plant makes a pretty and low-maintenance addition to your indoor succulent garden or an outdoor container. Well-drained soil, a combination of sun and shade, and basic pest prevention are all you need to allow these rosette-inspired plants to thrive in your home. Learn more from our plant experts on how to grow the mountain rose succulent.

What Exactly Are Mountain Rose Succulents?

Rose succulents are a common name for the pink mountain rose or mountain rose succulent, a member of the genus Greenovia, says Kim Chen, who runs April Farm and Instagram's Rare Succulent account "The genus of Greenovia is no longer in existence," she says. "In 2003, it was incorporated into the genus of Aeonium by taxonomists, and there are officially four varieties of mountain roses."

"The pink mountain rose is named after the island of El Hierro in the Canary Islands, where it was originally grown," says Chen. "It turns pink during its dormant season, and then will turn green during its growing season."

How to Plant Mountain Rose Succulents

Pink mountain rose is a succulent that's happiest in containers, says Baldwin, an award-winning garden photojournalist, author, and succulent expert found at Success With Succulents. New plants can be grown from cuttings, division, or from seed.

"It's important to note that propagating from seeds is a slow and challenging process, and it may take several years for the plant to mature and produce its characteristic rosette shape," says Liu from Rare Succulents and April Farm. Seeds are also hard to collect since the plant only rarely blooms.

Once potted, the plant doesn't often need to be repotted, says Liu. "It prefers to be slightly root-bound. However, if the plant has outgrown its current pot or if the soil has become compacted and lacks nutrients, you can consider repotting it."

How to Care for Mountain Rose Succulents

Greenovia pink mountain rose is a hardy plant that grows well with a combination of sunlight and shade, and well-drained soil. During their summer dormant season, Baldwin suggests placing mountain rose succulents in bright shade; otherwise, their rosettes will close to conserve moisture and protect their vital cores from sunburn.

Sunlight

Mountain rose succulents can thrive outdoors in a spot with several hours of sun, though this plant needs protection from the hottest part of the day. "It's best to grow delicate varieties like [these] in pots, ideally on a patio or balcony that's sunny in the morning and shady during the heat of the afternoon," says Baldwin.

Indoor mountain rose succulents have different lighting needs, she adds. "Put plants under full-spectrum grow lights or near a sunny window (but not so close they'll scorch)," says Baldwin.

Watering

Avoid overwatering the pink mountain rose because, like many of its succulent relatives, it doesn't like too much water. "Aeoniums thrive in mild climates with low humidity and minimal summer rainfall—such as southern and coastal California from the Bay Area south," says Baldwin. "Water thoroughly, then let the soil go nearly dry (wait a week or so)."

"Make sure to water only enough to keep the soil barely moist," she says. "Resume regular watering and feed half-strength liquid fertilizer at the start of the plant's growing season, in October or November."

Soil Requirements

The ideal soil for a pink mountain rose is well-drained, high in minerals, and low in organic matter, says Liu, "A good succulent soil mix can be made up of a combination of perlite or pumice, and well-draining soil," he says. "This type of soil allows water to drain away quickly, which helps prevent root rot and other problems associated with overwatering."

Fertilizer

Skip the fertilizer if you choose, it's not mandatory. "Greenovia pink mountain rose is a relatively low-maintenance plant and doesn't require fertilization," says Liu. "Over-fertilizing can be harmful to the plant and can cause the leaves to turn yellow or brown."

How to Propagate Mountain Rose Succulents

Propagating succulents like the mountain rose is easy and new plants can be grown from cuttings, division, or seed. "It's important to note that propagating from seeds is a slow and challenging process, and it may take several years for the plant to mature and produce its characteristic rosette shape," says Liu. Seeds are also hard to collect since the plant only rarely blooms.

"Aeoniums are best propagated by cuttings," says Baldwin. "Little rosettes that branch from the stem can be cut off and rooted.

Place an upright cutting in the potting soil so the stem is buried and the rosette is atop the soil. Roots will grow from the stem and the base of the rosette." Baldwin recommends propagating rose succulents as they come out of their summer dormant period. "Keep soil on the dry side until roots form—which will be around a week," she says.

How to Prune Mountain Rose Succulents

A pink mountain rose succulent rarely needs pruning. "It naturally maintains its compact, rosette-shaped growth habit," says Liu. "However, if the plant becomes too tall or leggy, or if the leaves begin to look crowded or wilted, you can trim away any damaged or unsightly leaves with a sharp, clean pair of scissors or pruning shears." Cut the entire leaf, as close to the stem as you can get without nicking the stem or other leaves, and remove the minimum number of leaves necessary for the plant's health. "Avoid cutting too many leaves at once, as this can stress the plant and affect its growth," says Liu.

Common Problems

Pink mountain rose plants are generally strong and disease-resistant, says Liu. However, watch for small, white mealybugs on the plant's stems and leaves, which can cause the leaves to wilt or yellow. "They can be removed with a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol or by using a natural insecticidal soap," says Liu.

Spider mites can also take up residence on the underside of the leaves, resulting in webbing and discoloration. Use a spray or water or insecticidal soap to control them.