Black Rose OR Black Beauty
Aeonium Arboreum Zwartkop
Aeonium Arboreum 'Zwartkop' is an evergreen succulent plant that is bushy inhabit, and grows to a height of about 90 cm tall as well as 90 cm wide. Its stem is gray-brown, which holds long terminal rosettes of fleshy, very dark burgundy almost black and pointed leaves, with a lime green center.
Aeonium Arboreum 'Zwartkop' turns almost black if grown in full sun. That is why it is also called the 'Black Rose' or 'Black Beauty'.
From the center of the rosettes, small star-shaped yellow flowers appear in early spring. They flower once and die after flowering, it takes several years before this happens.
Details about Aeonium Arboreum Zwartkop "Black Rose OR Black Beauty"
How to Care for Aeonium Arboreum Zwartkop
Mostly, it is a disease-free plant. But it suffers from aphids and mealybugs. So spray it with insecticidal soap thoroughly once a week until the pests are gone.
If you don't have proper growing conditions, then you have to move these plants from hot sun to shade and back again. Or moving them indoors when the temperature gets too low.
It is a light-loving plant. So place it where it gets enough sunlight.
Where should you plant it?
If you live in a colder environment, where temperature can go below 20 °F (-6.7 °C), You should plant Aeonium Arboreum Zwartkop in a container. Because it is not cold hardy and you'll be able to bring it inside in winter. But keeping it in the brightest (sunny) window would be best. Also, don't forget to use Best DIY Succulent Soil for the container, OR get pre-mixed succulents and cacti soil.
This succulent needs more sunlight. So plant where it gets about 6 hours of direct sunlight a day.
If it does not get enough light, it loses its darkness of color and leaves will turn to green from dark burgundy color. The stem will also grow very long to seek more light. This process is called etiolation.
The etiolation process weakens the plant.
How and when to Water?
Aeonium Arboreum Zwartkop requires more water than a typical succulent and cacti watering needs. It is best to water once the soil is totally dry. Otherwise, its roots may rot in wet soil. But do not let it dried for a long time.
It is a summer dormant plant and does not require any water in this season, except in excessively dry conditions.
How to Propagate Aeonium Arboreum Zwartkop
Aeonium Zwartkop can be propagated by seeds and stem cuttings. Both propagating methods are easier for beginners.
Propagate by Seeds
To grow by seeds, place the seeds in well-draining succulent soil. Water them when the soil dries out. If you are not living in a cooler area, you can place the seeds outdoor. Otherwise, do it indoors with grow lights.
Seeds sowing should be in the active growth seasons, better in winter.
Propagate by stem cuttings
To propagate by stem cuttings, cut a stem from the main plant. Allow the removed stem to callous over for some days. Then place the stem in well-draining soil.
Remember to give water when the soil is completely dry. I have mentioned that at the last in how often to water succulents guide.
Where to Buy?
Aeonium Zwartkop is available on:
Pairs Well With
- Aloe juvenna "Tiger Tooth Aloe"
- Aeonium 'Blushing Beauty'
Aeonium Arboreum Zwartkop Video
A great video to watch by Urban Scape Bangalore.
Image Credit: Flickr
Facts & Features
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3 ft X 3 ft Size
This plant grows up to 3 ft (90 cm) tall and 3 ft (90 cm) wide
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Full Sun
It needs full sunlight to grow properly.
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Grows in Winter, Dormant in Summer
Take more care in winter as it's the growing season for this plant.
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Indoors Lit Area
Better to keep it near a window where it gets enough sunlight. OR, keep it outdoors.
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Non Toxic
It's safe for humans and pets.
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Not Cold Hardy
Protect from very low temperatures.
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Propagation by cutting and seeds
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Water More
You should water it more often than the typical watering schedule.
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Zone 9a
In this zone, the temperature can drop up to 20° F ( -6.7° C )
