Last updated on August 25th, 2023 at 12:29 pm
Black rose succulent, also known as Aeonium arboreum zwartkop, aeonium black rose, black succulent plant, or just black aeonium, is a species of succulent flowering plant, of the family Crassulaceae and an easy-to-grow succulent that’s native to Madeira and the Canary Islands.
These succulents are known for their dark-colored leaves, which can look like the petals of a black rose and which earned them their common name. Aeonium arboretum zwartkop thrives in sandy soil and dry environments with lots of sunlight and needs only occasional watering throughout the year to grow well.
You can plant your own black rose succulent at home by following these simple steps.
Black rose succulent is a popular succulent in cultivation and has gained wide popularity among gardeners. Its beauty lies in its simplicity; it looks almost like any other succulent plant, with relatively plain green leaves and not much else besides its uniquely shaped rosette of leaves. However, once you examine this succulent up close, it becomes clear why it’s so popular in cultivation.
Origin and distribution
The black rose succulent is native to the Canary Islands, specifically Tenerife. It’s a popular choice for gardens and balconies in Europe. The plant grows in rosettes and can reach up to two feet in diameter. The leaves are thick and fleshy, with a deep purple or black coloration. The flowers are small and yellow, appearing in spring or summer.
These plants are known as an epiphyte, which means they don’t need soil to grow. Epiphytes often get their nutrients from rainwater that collects on the surface of their leafs. Black aeonium plants can be found outside at nurseries in mild climates such as Florida, California, or Hawaii.
They’re also commonly grown indoors as houseplants. Black succulent plants are easy to care for because they have no roots; they only need occasional watering.
You can help your aeonium black rose thrive by placing it near a sunny window and giving it some water every few days if it starts looking dry. If you want to prune your plant, use scissors or pruning shears around the edges of its leaves or rosette to give it more room to grow!
Black rose succulent propagation
Aeoniums are easy to propagate from stem or leaf cuttings. I’ve found that the black aeonium, in particular, is very easy to propagate from stem cuttings. To do this, simply remove a stem from the mother plant and allow it to callous over for a few days.
Once the stem has been calloused, you can pot it up in well-draining succulent soil. Water lightly and wait for new growth to appear. The black succulent plants make excellent additions to outdoor gardens and can be used as focal points due to their dark color.
You can also grow them indoors but they will need bright light so place them close to a window with no direct sunlight.
Black rose succulent care information
These aeoniums are native to the Canary Islands, and are often called black rose succulents or tree houseleeks. Aeonium arboreums are easy to grow and care for. They prefer bright, indirect sunlight but can tolerate some direct sun.
Water when the soil is dry to the touch. Allow the soil to dry out completely between watering. Aeoniums are tolerant of most soils as long as they have good drainage.
Light requirement
The Aeonium black rose requires full sun to partial shade. It grows best in bright, direct sunlight but can also tolerate some light shade. If the plant does not get enough light, its leaves will become pale and it will stop growing.
To provide this type of succulent with as much light as possible, make sure to keep it away from any window screens or obstructions that may be blocking out too much sunlight.
Soil/potting mix
A black rose succulent needs a well-draining soil mix. You can either make your own by mixing together equal parts of potting soil, perlite, and pumice. Or you can purchase a pre-made cactus and succulent mix from your local garden center. Be sure to avoid mixes that contain too much peat moss, as this can hold too much moisture and lead to root rot.
In general, it is best to use about 2 inches of soil for the plant’s container. Place a layer of small rocks at the bottom of the container before adding your chosen soil mixture.
Finally, add an inch or two of sand or gravel on top of the rocks for drainage.
Watering
The Black Rose succulent should be watered about once a week, allowing the soil to dry out completely between waterings. They are drought tolerant and can tolerate some neglect, but will thrive with regular watering. Be careful not to overwater, as this can lead to root rot.
Allow the soil to dry out completely before watering again. When repotting or planting, use a potting mix that is slightly drier than what is currently in the pot.
Fertilizer
A black rose succulent needs a fertilizer that is high in phosphorus. This will help the plant to produce more flowers. A balanced fertilizer with a ratio of 10-10-10 or 20-20-20 is ideal.
You can also use a slow-release fertilizer to make sure that the plant gets the nutrients it needs over time. Be sure to follow the instructions on the fertilizer package to avoid overfeeding your plant.
Temperature
The black rose succulent can tolerate a wide range of temperatures, from hot to cold. However, it prefers a warm climate and will do best in temperatures between 70 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit. If the temperature gets too cold, the leaves of the plant will start to turn brown and drop off. In extreme cases, the plant may die.
Humidity
Aeonium arboreum zwartkop, or black rose succulent, is a type of succulents that thrives in high humidity. If you live in an area with high humidity, you may be able to grow this plant outdoors.
However, if you live in an area with low humidity, you’ll need to provide extra moisture for your plant. One way to do this is to mist the leaves regularly. You can also use a humidifier to raise the humidity around your plant.
The ideal humidity range is between 40-60%. The root system of this plant requires good drainage and will rot easily if watered too much. To prevent rot, let the top inch or so of soil dry out before watering again.
Pruning
Aeoniums are best pruned in late winter or early spring before new growth begins. To encourage bushier growth, cut back the main stem by one-third to one-half its length.
Be sure to use clean, sharp pruning shears to make clean cuts. Avoid over-pruning, as this can damage the plant. Plants can be propagated from leaf rosettes, which should be removed from the mother plant by carefully breaking them off and then planted in a small pot of cactus soil.
Keep succulents warm and dry for about six weeks after planting to give them time to form a root system before watering.
When to repot
Aeoniums are best repotted every two to three years. If your plant is getting too big for its pot, it’s time to repot. You’ll know it’s time to repot when you see roots coming out of the drainage holes in the bottom of the pot.
Gently remove your plant from its pot and inspect the roots. If they’re tightly wound, it’s time for a new pot. Choose a pot that is only one size larger than the current pot.
Place some potting soil into the new pot, then place your plant on top of it. Fill in around the roots with more soil, making sure not to pile up any extra soil on top of them.
Put your plant back into its pot and water thoroughly until all excess water has drained from the bottom of the pot.
Dormancy/Winter rest
The black rose succulent is a beautiful plant that can add a touch of elegance to any home. However, it is important to note that this plant requires a period of dormancy or winter rest in order to thrive.
During this time, the plant will lose its leaves and appear to be dead. Do not be alarmed! This is perfectly normal and necessary for the plant’s health. Simply withhold water and allow the soil to dry out completely during this time.
You can then place your pot in a sunny spot outdoors where temperatures are above 50 degrees Fahrenheit to restart growth.
If you are unable to provide these conditions, you can store your pot in an unheated garage, basement, or other room with similar conditions until springtime. Once again, please refrain from watering your black rose succulent during this dormant period.
Flowers & fragrance
The black rose succulent leaves are thick and fleshy, and the plant produces small yellow flowers. The flowers have a strong fragrance, and the plant can bloom multiple times a year.
Growth rate
The black rose succulent has a moderate growth rate. In ideal conditions, it can grow up to six inches per year. However, growth may be slower in less than ideal conditions. The succulent can reach a height of three feet and a width of two feet.
Toxicity
The black rose succulent is not considered toxic to humans or animals. However, the sap from the plant can cause skin irritation in some people. If ingested, this plant can cause stomach upset. The black rose succulent should be kept away from small children and pets who may try to eat it.
USDA hardiness zones
Black rose succulent thrives best in USDA hardiness zones 9-11. Although it is a slow grower, this succulent’s longevity is worth the wait.
Pests and diseases
The black rose succulent is susceptible to mealybugs, aphids, and scale. These pests can be controlled with insecticidal soap or neem oil. The succulent is also susceptible to root rot, so it’s important to make sure the plant has good drainage.
If you see any signs of pests or disease, act quickly to nip the problem in the bud. A couple of applications per year should do the trick.
It’s also a good idea to water your succulents sparingly during their dormant season from November through February, too much water can cause them to rot.
