Echeveria 'Black Prince'
Echeveria 'Black Prince is a striking dark-leaved hybrid Echeveria prized for the way its tight rosettes deepen to a dusky, near-black colour in strong light. New growth emerges green at the centre and darkens as it matures, so a well-grown plant shows a soft green heart ringed by chocolate-to-blackish outer leaves, and in autumn it sends up spikes of contrasting deep red flowers.
'Black Prince' is generally regarded as a hybrid within the genus Echeveria, and its care follows that of its parent group. It is one of the most widely grown dark cultivars, valued for its compact habit and dramatic, moody colouring.
Description
The rosette is small and neat, usually reaching around 8–15 cm across, formed from broad, pointed, spoon-shaped leaves arranged in a tight spiral. Leaf colour is the whole point of this plant: under bright light and cooler conditions the foliage takes on a deep bronze, burgundy or almost black tone, while the freshest central leaves stay greener. In weaker light the colour washes out to a dull olive-green, so the "black" effect is very much light-dependent.
Mature plants offset freely from the base, slowly building up a small clump. In autumn and early winter established rosettes throw up short, arching flower stalks carrying urn-shaped blooms in rich red to scarlet, a vivid contrast against the dark leaves that makes the plant especially popular for displays.
Cultivation
Grow 'Black Prince' as for the parent genus — see Echeveria for full detail. It wants as much bright light as you can give it: strong sun (with only a little protection from the fiercest afternoon heat in very hot climates) is what draws out the dark colouring. Too little light and the rosette both pales and stretches, losing its compact shape.
Plant it in a gritty, fast-draining mix and water thoroughly only once the soil has dried out, easing right off through the cooler months. Like most echeverias it dislikes water sitting in the crown, which can cause the central leaves to rot, so water at the base and let the rosette dry quickly. It is not frost-hardy and should be kept above freezing; see Watering and Repotting for general technique.
Propagation
'Black Prince' is easily increased from the offsets it produces around the base — simply remove a rooted or semi-rooted pup and pot it on (see Propagation — offsets). It can also be grown from individual leaves and stem cuttings, though as a hybrid, leaf propagation is somewhat less reliable than with many species echeverias. See Propagation — cuttings for the general method. Being a named cultivar, it is reproduced vegetatively to keep it true; seed will not come true to type.
Common problems
- Loss of colour / etiolation — the commonest complaint; in low light the rosette turns green and stretches upward. Move it to brighter conditions to restore the dark tone and tight form.
- Crown rot — from water trapped between the leaves or an overly wet mix; the centre softens and browns. Water at the base and improve drainage.
- Pests — mealybugs (white fluff nestled between the leaves and at the roots) and the occasional aphid on flower stalks are the usual visitors. See Pests and diseases.
See also
- Echeveria — the genus overview and general care
- Soil and potting mix · Watering · Propagation — offsets · Propagation — cuttings · Repotting