Would you like the Black Prince in such a distinctive state?

Common names of the Black Prince

The Black Prince is commonly known as the purple-leaf aeonium.

Habits of the Black Prince

The Black Prince is a succulent in the Crassulaceae family, genus Aeonium, and winter is its vigorous growing season.

The Black Prince is native to Morocco and likes a warm, dry environment with plenty of sunlight. Its most suitable growing temperature is 20~25°C.

The Black Prince is a "winter-growing type"; it is drought-tolerant and tolerates partial shade, but is not cold-tolerant, and its growth requires ample light. In a sunny, well-ventilated environment, the Black Prince naturally grows multiple heads in spring; otherwise, the leaves turn green.

The Black Prince fears high temperatures and humid conditions. Water once every 2 weeks, ensure ample light, but avoid direct strong sunlight.

The common propagation method at home is cuttings.

Care tips for the Black Prince

Watering: under normal growth, water the Black Prince once every 2 weeks, just keeping the potting soil slightly moist. If the potting soil is too wet, it easily causes leggy stems and leaves. In a high-temperature, humid environment in summer, the Black Prince goes dormant. In winter, when room temperature is relatively low, watering should not be excessive either; just keep the potting soil slightly moist.

Fertilizing: fertilize once a month with diluted cake fertilizer water or a special succulent fertilizer. If too much fertilizer is applied, water promptly to avoid leggy leaves and plant aging.

Repotting: repot every year in early spring. When repotting, cut off the withered leaves at the base of the plant and any overly long fibrous roots. Use a mix of leaf mold, potting soil, and coarse sand for the potting soil, adding a small amount of bone meal or organic fertilizer.

Sunlight: in midsummer, place the plant in a partially shaded environment. In winter, require sufficient light and regularly turn the pot to ensure even light exposure, so the plant does not bend.

Pests and diseases: common pests and diseases include leaf spot disease and black vine weevil, which seriously affect the Black Prince's ornamental value. Once found, immediately remove the diseased leaves and use pesticides to spray and kill the pests.

Propagation methods for the Black Prince

Cuttings: in a sunny environment, many offsets will grow around the mother plant. Cut off the offsets and insert them into the soil. They will root after 3~4 weeks.

Suggested planting combinations: Crassula mesembryanthemoides, Cotyledon undulata.