Last updated on August 25th, 2023 at 12:21 pm
Aeonium zwartkop, also known as black-headed aeonium is one of the most popular types in horticulture because it can tolerate full sun and resist temperature fluctuations very well (although not frost). It likes to be watered often but will survive for months without water if conditions are harsh.
Aeoniums are often called black plants, due to the dark foliage that is usually found on their leaves. They’re a succulent plant that grows from roots and not stems, so it doesn’t need flowers or seeds like other plants do in order to reproduce.
The aeonium zwartkop has dark green leaves and is not fully frost-resistant. The plant will recover from damage caused by cold weather if the temperature rises above 50°F (about 11°C) after being frozen, but it cannot withstand freezing temperatures for too long. It prefers to be in full sun or part shade, but can also tolerate some shade.
Aeoniums love heat and humidity, so they grow best in climates with warm days and nights that are dry. They need to be watered often but can survive for months without water if conditions are harsh enough to make it necessary.
Origin of the Aeonium zwartkop
The word “aeonium” is derived from the Greek name for this plant, which means “untimely birth.” This refers to its relatively late-blooming period when compared with other plants. The Latin genus ʻAeonium,’ meaning ‘immortality’, might also refer to aeoniums’ hardiness.
The name “zwartkop” is Dutch for “blackhead.” The black-headed aeonium is one of the most popular types in horticulture because it can tolerate full sun and resist temperature fluctuations very well (although not frost). It likes to be watered often but will survive for months without water if conditions are harsh.
How to propagate Aeonium zwartkop
Aeoniums are usually propagated by taking a leaf cutting. The cut is made approximately an inch below the point where a new shoot emerges from the ground, and then it’s dipped in rooting hormone before being planted into potting soil or directly outside.
The black-headed aeonium can also be grown from seed (which needs to be treated with a fungicide) or from stem cuttings.
General care information
Light requirements
Aeoniums prefer bright light and will grow best in direct sunlight. However, they are also tolerant of a wide range of conditions from partial shade to full sun if the plant is watered sufficiently.
The Aeonium Zwartkop has green leaves that have dark edges with white or yellow flowers on short stems. It has a large rosette and is one of the best-suited succulent plants for shade.
Soil/potting mix
Aeoniums prefer an open, loose soil that drains well. A mixture of sand and peat provides a good planting medium because it is lightweight while still holding moisture.
Ideally, the pot should be wide enough to accommodate the rosette but not so deep that roots are buried in moist soil.
The Aeonium Zwartkop prefers a loose, well-draining soil mixture of sand and peat moss. In bright light conditions with adequate water, this succulent plant is able to grow outside all year round.
Fertilizer
Aeonium zwartkop plants require fertilization to thrive. The best time for fertilizing aeoniums is in the growing season, which lasts from spring through fall. In general, it’s not necessary to give them fertilizer every month or two months; once per year should be enough. A basic mix of slow-release organic fertilizer is an acceptable choice, and it should be applied in the amount of one pound per square foot.
You’ll want to fertilize your plants at least once a year with one pound per square foot as well. It’s not necessary to fertilize every month or two months; just do it when they are growing in the spring through fall.
Watering
Aeonium zwartkop plants are sensitive to too much water. In general, you should avoid watering an aeonium plant more than once every two weeks and when it does need water, allow the soil to dry out first before adding any.
You can make sure your aeonium doesn’t get overwatered by only giving them water once every two weeks and when it does need water, wait until the soil has dried out first.
Temperature
Aeonium zwartkop plants are tropical and need to be protected against frost. The ideal temperature is in the range of 65-85 degrees Fahrenheit, but they can tolerate a wide range of temperatures from 55-110 degrees Fahrenheit.
Your plant needs protection against cold weather, so it’s best for them if you keep their temperature at optimal level (65-85 degrees Fahrenheit).
Humidity
Aeonium zwartkop plants prefer high humidity but can tolerate a wide range of levels. The best level is between 50-80% relative humidity (RH).
Your plant prefers humid conditions that are in the range of 50-80% RH; it can survive with lower or greater ranges than this though.
Repotting
Aeonium zwartkop plants should be repotted every two years with a basic mix of good-quality potting soil.
Use a bag of high-quality organic soil for best results.
Growth rate
Aeonium zwartkop plants have a slow growth rate. They grow, on average, six inches in height every year and two inches in width each month over the course of their life span.
It can take up to five years before they start blooming too!
Toxicity
Aeonium zwartkop plants are not toxic, so your plant is completely harmless to pets and children!
Pests and diseases
Aeonium zwartkop does not usually have many pest problems or diseases, but in some cases, you may notice a few. The most common pests are mealybugs and spider mites; both can be identified by their webs on the leaves of the plant and tiny white spots on the surface of the foliage. These bugs suck out the sap of the plant and also leave it vulnerable to disease.
In order to get rid of these pests, you will need a soapy mixture with water or alcohol. Soap is toxic; use only enough soap that covers your fingertip when mixing as too much can be harmful to plants. Spray this solution on the leaves until they are thoroughly wet. Once the soap has soaked into the leaves, it will kill any bugs on contact and they should fall off easily when you rub them in a paper towel or clean cloth.
In order to prevent pests from coming back, make sure to spray your plants with water every day until you are certain that no more pests remain.
