Echeveria ‘Black Prince’ is a stunning succulent plant that is well-known for its black leaves. This plant is a hybrid of Echeveria affinis and is a popular choice among gardeners and plant enthusiasts. The mother plant, Echeveria affinis, has fleshy leaves that are dark purple, and these traits are evident in Echeveria Black Prince. As the plant ages, the leaves become darker, and the plant develops wide rosettes. An Echeveria ‘Black Prince’ mature plant can grow up to 6 inches in height.
If you are interested in container gardening, Echeveria ‘Black Prince’ can be an excellent addition to your succulent garden. This one is quite easy to care for and can thrive in a variety of conditions.
in this article:
About Echeveria ‘Black Prince’
Echeveria ‘Black Prince’ is native to Mexico. It is a popular choice for indoor and outdoor gardening due to its striking dark foliage. This plant can grow up to 6 inches in height and spread up to 8 inches wide. It produces stunning red and yellow flowers that bloom in the summer.
| Common Name | Echeveria ‘Black Prince’ |
| Family | Crassulaceae |
| Plant Type | Succulent |
| Origin | Mexico |
| Maintenance | Low |
| Height | 4-10 inches |
| Width | 5-10 inches |
| Light | Bright, Indirect Light |
| Bloom season | Spring, Summer |
| Water needs | Low, Moderate |
| Soil | Well-Drained, Loamy |
| Tolerant | Drought |
| Toxicity | Non-toxic |
| Hardiness (USDA) | 9-12 |
Echeveria ‘Black Prince’ Care
Echeveria ‘Black Prince’ is a low-maintenance plant that is easy to care for. Here are some care tips that can help you keep your succulent healthy and thriving.
Light
Echeveria ‘Black Prince’ thrives in bright, indirect light. It can also tolerate some direct sun in summer months, but too much can scorch its leaves and cause sun damage. If you’re growing this plant indoors, the optimal spot to place it would be near a sunny window or somewhere with partial shade. It requires at least a few hours of sunlight.
Soil
This succulent prefers well-draining soil that is rich in nutrients. You can use a cactus potting mix or succulent soil to plant this species. Make sure to avoid moisture retaining as it can lead to root rot.
Water
Echeveria ‘Black Prince’ is a drought-tolerant plant that can survive long periods without water in spring and summer. When watering this plant, make sure to water deeply but infrequently. It is important to let the soil dry out completely before watering the plant again, as overwatering may result in the development of root rot and other diseases.
Temperature
This succulent prefers warm temperatures between 60°F and 75°F (15°C and 24°C). It can tolerate cooler temperatures but should be protected from frost and extreme heat. It does not thrive in extreme winter conditions.
Humidity
Echeveria ‘Black Prince’ prefers low to moderate humidity levels. It can tolerate dry air and does not require regular misting.
Fertilizer
This succulent does not require frequent fertilization. You can fertilize this plant once or twice a year with a balanced fertilizer. Make sure to dilute the fertilizer to half-strength and apply it during the plant’s active growing season.
Pruning
Echeveria ‘Black Prince’ does not require frequent pruning, but you can remove any dead or damaged leaves and stems to keep the plant healthy and tidy. Use a sharp, sterile pair of scissors or pruning shears to make clean cuts.
Potting and Repotting Echeveria ‘Black Prince’
Echeveria ‘Black Prince’ does not require frequent repotting as it prefers to be slightly root-bound. However, you may need to repot the plant if it outgrows its container or the soil becomes depleted. Here’s how to prepare and repot your Echeveria.
Prepare
Choose a container that is slightly larger than the current one and has drainage holes. Prepare a well-draining soil mix by combining cactus or succulent mix with perlite or coarse sand.
How to Repot (Step-by-Step)
- Remove the Echeveria from its current container.
- Shake off excess soil and inspect the roots for any signs of damage or disease.
- Place a layer of fresh soil mix in the bottom of the new container.
- Place the rootball in the center of the container and fill in the sides with fresh soil mix.
- Firmly press down the soil to eliminate any air pockets.
- Water the plant thoroughly and allow the soil to drain.
Propagating Echeveria ‘Black Prince’
To propagate Echeveria ‘Black Prince’, you can use a healthy leaf or a mother leaf from the plant. It’s important to ensure that the leaf is not damaged or infected with any disease.
- The leaf should be removed cleanly from the mother plant, and any dead leaves should be removed.
- Allow the leaf to dry for a few days until a callus forms on the cut end.
- Place the leaf on top of the well-draining soil mix and mist it with water.
- Wait for the leaf to root and develop new growth before watering it sparingly.
Blooms
Echeveria ‘Black Prince’ produces pink or red flowers on tall stems in the spring and summer. While the blooms are short-lived, they add a beautiful touch to the plant’s overall appearance.
Toxicity
Echeveria ‘Black Prince’ is not toxic to humans or pets, making it a safe choice for households with children and animals.
NOTE: This page is not intended as a substitute for veterinary advice. The toxicity of an ingested substance varies depending on the amount ingested, the animal’s weight, and its sensitivity to specific allergens. Contact your veterinarian or local animal poison control center immediately if you think your pet may have ingested a toxic substance.
Common Pests
This Echeveria is relatively pest-resistant, but may be susceptible to mealybugs, vine weevils, spider mites, and scale insects. Here are some nice tips for preventing pest infestations:
- Check your Echeveria regularly for signs of pests, such as sticky residue, webbing, or tiny insects.
- Isolate any infested plants to prevent the pests from spreading.
- Treat infestations with insecticidal soap, neem oil, or rubbing alcohol, following the instructions on the product label.
AVOID
- Overwatering
- Placing under harsh sunlight
- Using poorly drained potting mediums
- Fertilizing during dormancy
Common Problems
Here are some common problems that you may encounter when growing Echeveria ‘Black Prince’:
