Indoor Aeonium Black Rose Succulent Care
The Black Rose succulent (Aeonium arboreum Zwartkop) is a unique plant known for its striking rosettes of dark spoon-shaped leaves on long bare stems. The leaves look almost black, although it really is a very dark purple.
Black rose succulents are visually striking and relatively easy to care for. To grow this plant in your home, provide a few hours of morning sun and bright, indirect light the rest of the day, plant it in well-draining soil, and water very sparingly.
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Scientific Name: Aeonium arboreum ‘Zwartkop’ Common name: Black Rose succulent, Black Aeonium, Aeonium black rose, Zwartkop Aeonium, Tree Aeonium.
Aeonium Arboreum Zwartkop Meaning
“Zwartkop” is a Dutch term that translates to “black head” or “black top,” referring to the dark color of the rosettes.
The name “arboreum” means tree-like, but although this species can grow to be several feet tall, it never attains the stature of a tree. Instead, the name tree arboreum alludes to its resemblance to miniature palm trees, with elongated woody stems topped by clusters of leaves.
The exact origin of the Aeonium arboreum ‘zwartkop’ is uncertain. It is often said that the Black Rose succulent was discovered in a Dutch nursery, but the precise details and location vary in different accounts. What is a fact is that it is a cultivated variety of the Aeonium arboreum and those are native to the Canary Islands.
Related reading: Beginners Guide to Succulent Care.
Light Requirements
Indoors, black rose succulents grow best with 3-4 hours of morning sun and bright, indirect light the rest of the day. This will keep the leaves dark and vibrant.
Too much direct sunlight can scorch the leaves, while too little light can lead to slower growth.
Periodically rotate the pot to ensure even exposure to light. This helps prevent the plant from leaning to one side, or the leaves losing their color.
Related reading: Do succulents need sun?
Watering
Succulents, including the Aeonium black rose, are drought tolerant since they store water in their leaves. Allow the soil to dry out completely between waterings.
Healthy leaves should feel firm. Signs of an underwatered Aeonium are wrinkled, shriveling leaves. Signs of overwatering are leaves turning yellow, soft, and mushy.
Related reading: How often to water succulents.
Pruning a Tall Black Rose Succulent
Regularly remove any wilted or yellowed leaves to encourage new growth and maintain the overall appearance of your plant.
The tall stem is a natural part of its growth habit. This serves several purposes, including providing a reservoir for water storage and elevating the rosette to receive more light.
Over time, the rosette can become “leggy” or elongated, causing the top to become too tall and less compact. But you can prune it to encourage a more compact growth habit.
It will feel drastic, but you can cut the entire top rosette off. You will be left with a bare stem, which will bud up, growing new rosettes, and could even branch out. The removed leaf rosette can be propagated as a cutting.
Fertilizing
During the growing season (spring and summer), feed your Aeonium arboreum once a month with a liquid succulent fertilizer diluted to half strength. Avoid fertilizing during the winter months when the plant is dormant.
Soil and Repotting
Repot in spring in a pot one size up when you notice roots have filled the pot, or when roots grow from the bottom of the pot. Even if your plant still has room to grow, repot it every two to three years. The soil will have lost nutrients and needs to be replaced with fresh well-draining soil for succulents.
Make sure the new pot has drainage holes on the bottom. Otherwise, excess water cannot get out and can drown the roots.
Related reading: Guide to repotting house plants.
Aeonium Arboreum Propagation
If you’d like to propagate your black rose plant, you can do so by taking stem or leaf cuttings and allowing them to callus over before propagating them in water or well-draining soil.
Related reading: How to propagate succulents.
Flowering
Aeonium arboreum plants bloom after they fully mature, which usually is after 3 to 4 years. Clusters of yellow flowers grow on tall stalks from the center of the rosette.
The Aeonium is monocarpic, which means that while the flowering stalk is a natural part of the life cycle, it also marks the end of the plant’s life. But new pups, or offsets (baby plants) will grow from the stem and the base of the plant to continue the next generation.
Is the Aeonium arboreum Zwartkop Toxic to Cats?
Yes, Aeonium arboreum is considered slightly toxic to cats. It contains compounds that can cause digestive upset, vomiting, and diarrhea if ingested. Although it is rare for pets to get seriously hurt from eating plants, keep this plant out of reach.
Related reading: Non-toxic house plants.
