black succulents
Sarah Biren
Sarah Biren
May 21, 2021 ·  4 min read

You Can Get Black Succulents And I Think I’m In Love

Nature is full of bright and cheery colors. There are the deep forest greens to the rosy hues of blossoms to the warm browns of wood, and every shade in between. However, there’s not much variety for those who prefer a gothic or Halloween color palette, right? Actually, there is! You may have seen green or even pink succulents before, but be prepared to become obsessed with these stunning black succulents. 

Now, these succulents aren’t all completely black. Some have dark hues of other colors. Either way, they fit the moody and brooding aesthetic. Or they can beautifully complement a more colorful palette. Imagine them being highlighted in a clean, minimalistic room. Or adorned with white and red. Or standing out among a plethora of its green brethren. The possibilities are endless and certain to fit anyone’s style. Of course, there is always the classic black-on-black, which any gothic-loving person would relish.  Remember, these succulents do come in different hues and shades, so there are bound to be a few that perfectly suits your taste and color scheme.

5 Types of Black Succulents

Echeveria ‘Black Prince’

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This succulent is a bit of a misnomer. The color is actually a dark purple. But it’s still stunning, with wide leaves stacked into a rosette. Additionally, they go by the name ‘Black Knight,’ also a misnomer when you think about it.

Aeonium arboreum ‘Zwartkop’

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Read: Rose Succulents Are Real, And They Are Just Too Beautiful

Also known as the Black Rose Aeonium, this plant is unique, looking more like a rose — as so named — than the classic succulent. These dark leaves are tinted with a deep shade of red.

Sinocrassula yunnanensis ‘Chinese Jade’

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This succulent is small with thick, pointed leaves that grow upward and outward. Each one looks like little balls of spiky rosettes. This variety comes in black and green, and it’s stunning in each color.

Echinopsis ancistrophora ‘Arachnacantha’

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The name Arachnacantha is a reference to ‘arachnids’ because this creepy-looking succulent is a small cactus covered in spider-shaped thorns. Although this plant may look like the perfect Halloween decoration, it doesn’t do well in the cold. In fact, it goes dormant during the winter. Additionally, its dark color deepens when it has good access to sunlight. [1]

Sempervivum Black

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Okay, so Sempervivum Black isn’t exactly black. But its deep shades of red fit perfectly with the gothic vibe of the other succulents. Each of the rosettes has a bright green center with ombre burgundy leaves. These succulents are also nicknamed black chickens and hens, and they are extremely hardy, tolerating poor soil and lack of water. [2]

black succulents

How to Care for Succulents

Although these black succulents look grave, they need just as much care as any other succulent. Even these dark plants could be happy and vibrant. Remember, every type of succulent has its own specific needs, but here are some basic guidelines to help ensure they thrive.

  1. Make sure they get enough light. Some prefer full or partial sunlight, but all need it. Newly planted succulents often can’t tolerate direct sunlight at first; they need to be slowly exposed to it or shaded with a sheer piece of fabric.
  2. Rotate them often. This ensures that all sides of the succulent get enough sunlight and grow upright. Plants tend to lean toward the sun, so if yours is lopsided, it’s overdue for a spin or needs to be placed in a sunnier area.
  3. Water them more in the spring and summer. Succulents tend to grow more during those months and need more water for it, as opposed to winter and fall when they are ‘resting.’ Overwatering could kill your plant, so test the soil with your finger. If the top 1.25 inches feel dry, give it some more water.
  4. Water the soil directly. Don’t pour it over the rosettes, and don’t use a spray bottle. This could cause moldy leaves and thin roots. Either way, drainage holes are imperative to let excess water out.
  5. Use the right soil. The dirt in your backyard won’t cut it; neither would regular potting soil. Use cactus soil or potting soil mixed with perlite, sand, or pumice. Keep in mind that the roots are very delicate while you re-pot. [3]

Keep Reading: Forest Garden With 500 Kinds of Food Requires Only a Few Hours of Work Per Month

Sources

  1. “8 Impressive Black Succulent Varieties.The Spruce. David Beaulieu. April 29, 2021
  2. “Goth Gardening: 5 Black Succulents to Try.” Epic Gardening. Clarisa Teodoro and Rachel Garcia. May 17, 2021
  3. “How to Care for Succulents (And Not Kill Them): 9 Plant-Care Tips.” Clever. September 12, 2018