Aeonium arboreum zwartkop, also known as aeonium black rose succulent, black rose aeonium, zwartkop plant, or zwartkop succulent, is one of the more striking and beautiful succulents you can grow indoors. It’s part of the Aeonium genus, which belongs to the Crassulaceae family, so it can tolerate some sun but prefers shade and even indoor lighting.
Growing an aeonium arboreum zwartkop in your home will require careful attention to its preferences and growth habits, as well as occasional pruning or maintenance pruning if it grows too tall or bushy.
The black rose succulent is a non-poisonous plant native to Crete and the Aegean islands of Greece. This succulent vine produces dainty pink flowers in the summer that fade to dark burgundy as they die back.
Aeonium arboreum zwartkop was chosen as the European Plant of the Year in 2011 and can be seen growing in gardens around the world.
Aeonium arboreum zwartkop is not just one of the most unique species of succulents in the world, but also one of the best species to grow indoors due to its distinctive, eye-catching appearance and ease of care. In fact, it has been so popular that it’s currently the fifth most popular succulent on the market!
Origin and distribution
Aeonium arboreum zwartkop is a succulent native to the Canary Islands. It can also be found on the Madeira Islands and in Morocco. The plant gets its name from its dark, almost black leaves. The aeonium black rose succulent is a perennial plant that can grow up to three feet tall.
The plant blooms in the spring and summer, producing yellow or white flowers. The aeonium black rose succulent is poisonous if eaten by humans or animals, so it should not be grown near children’s play areas. If you would like to bring this unusual specimen into your home, make sure you provide enough space for the aeonium black rose succulent.
They are drought-tolerant plants but require ample sunlight as well as deep watering about once every two weeks.
Black rose succulent propagation
Aeonium arboreum zwartkop plants are easily propagated from stem or leaf cuttings. To propagate from stem cuttings, simply remove a stem from the mother plant and allow it to callous over for a few days. Once the stem cutting has been calloused, insert it into well-draining soil and water lightly.
It should root within about 2 weeks. Propagation from leaf cuttings is done in the same way as propagation from stem cuttings but leaves enough of the original leaf intact so that new roots can form on its underside. After the leaf-cutting has been calloused, insert it into well-draining soil and water lightly.
Rooting will occur in about 2 weeks. The black rose succulent thrives best in temperatures between 70 degrees Fahrenheit and 85 degrees Fahrenheit. They also do not like temperatures below 50 degrees Fahrenheit and above 100 degrees Fahrenheit.
Black rose succulents need to be watered at least once every 3-4 days during the summer months when they’re actively growing. Make sure to keep them out of direct sunlight if possible, because they don’t enjoy extreme heat very much!
Aeonium arboreum zwartkop care
Aeonium arboreum zwartkop, or black rose aeonium, is a beautiful and easy-to-care-for succulent. These plants are native to the Canary Islands and are relatively drought tolerant and can handle some neglect.
Light requirement
The Aeonium arboreum zwartkop, or black rose aeonium, is a succulent that does best in bright light. However, it can tolerate some shade, especially during the hottest part of the day. This plant prefers several hours of direct sunlight each day, but if you live in an area with very hot summers, some afternoon shade will be appreciated.
Soil/potting mix
A well-draining soil is a must for aeoniums, as they are susceptible to root rot. A cactus or succulent potting mix will do the trick, or you can make your own by mixing together equal parts sand, perlite, and potting soil. Be sure to add a layer of gravel to the bottom of the pot for drainage.
It’s best to use pots that are 1 to 2 inches wider than the plant’s roots because aeoniums grow extremely quickly in all directions. When planting in pots outside, be sure that temperatures stay between 40 and 90 degrees Fahrenheit.
Watering
These plants are drought tolerant, so they don’t need much water. In fact, too much water can be harmful. Water only when the soil is dry to the touch. If the leaves start to droop, that’s a sign that the plant needs water.
Give it a good soak, then let the soil dry out again before watering again. If you happen to over-water your black rose succulent, you may notice some new growth at the bottom of the stem and in some cases, little flowers may appear on your plant.
The one downside of this succulent is that if left unattended for long periods of time or neglected, an Aeonium arboreum zwartkop will die. Once planted in your garden though, these plants have great longevity and will provide interest year-round with their unique looks and attractive blooms.
Fertilizer
Aeonium arboreum zwartkop doesn’t require much fertilizer, a light feeding in spring will help encourage growth. Feed once a month during the summer months with water-soluble fertilizer diluted to half strength and every other month during the winter with slow-release fertilizer diluted to one-quarter strength.
Temperature
Aeonium arboreum zwartkop is a type of succulents that thrives in warm weather. It can tolerate temperatures as low as 50 degrees Fahrenheit, but it will not do well in colder climates. If you live in an area with a lot of sun, this plant will do well outdoors. However, if you live in a cooler climate, it is best to keep this plant indoors.
The bright colors on the leaves serve as protection from heat and ultraviolet rays. Though it prefers warmer climates, this plant can survive cold temperatures by turning black and producing less chlorophyll.
Humidity
Aeonium arboreum zwartkop thrives in dry, hot climates and can tolerate some drought. They need very little humidity and can actually rot if given too much water. If you live in a humid climate, it’s best to grow aeonium arboreum zwartkop in a pot with drainage holes to help prevent root rot.
The ideal humidity range is 30% – 50%. You should also avoid spraying or over-watering this succulent as this will promote mold growth.
Pruning
Aeoniums are typically low-maintenance succulents, but they will need the occasional pruning. You can prune your aeoniums for aesthetic reasons, or encourage new growth. If you’re not sure how to prune your aeonium, start by cutting off any dead or dying leaves.
Then, cut back any leggy stems to encourage compact growth. When in doubt, it’s always better to err on the side of caution and take off less rather than more. Take care when using sharp tools like shears, as these can damage the delicate fleshy parts of your plant.
When to repot
Every two to three years, your aeonium arboreum zwartkop will need to be repotted. The best time to do this is in the spring before the plant begins actively growing. You’ll know it’s time to repot when you see roots coming out of the drainage holes in the bottom of the pot, or if the plant becomes top-heavy and starts to topple over. Gently remove the plant from its pot and inspect the roots.
If they are brittle, entangled, encrusted with dried fertilizer salts or have lost their healthy sheen then it is time for some root pruning. Cut away any dead roots with a sharp knife or scissors and discard them.
Trim back any stems that are circling around the outside of the root ball and loosen the remaining soil gently with your fingers so that there are no air pockets trapped around the root ball. Return the plant to its original pot, filling in any gaps between the soil level and rim with more soil.
Dormancy/Winter rest
In winter, Aeonium arboreum zwartkop plants enter a period of dormancy. During this time, they will stop growing and their leaves will fall off. It is important to give them a rest period so that they can regenerate and prepare for the next growing season.
To do this, simply stop watering them and allow them to dry out completely. Once spring arrives, you can start watering them again and they will begin to grow new leaves. They also have deep roots which are perfect for anchoring in any kind of soil and preventing erosion. These gorgeous succulents are ideal for low-maintenance gardens!
Flower & fragrance
The black rose succulent is a beautiful and unique plant that is perfect for adding a touch of drama to your garden. This striking succulent has deep purple-black leaves that are tipped with red, and it produces small, yellow flowers in the summer. The flowers have a sweet fragrance that is reminiscent of honeysuckle.
Growth rate
Aeonium arboreum zwartkop is a slow-growing succulent that can reach up to two feet in height. It has black, spoon-shaped leaves that grow in rosettes. The plant produces yellow flowers in the spring. Aeonium arboreum zwartkop is native to the Canary Islands and is drought-tolerant. It prefers full sun but can tolerate partial shade.
Toxicity
The ASPCA website listed Aeonium arboreum ‘Zwartkop’ as not toxic to pets. Therefore, it is considered safe around pets and children.
USDA hardiness zones
Aeonium arboreum zwartkop grows best in USDA hardiness zones 9 and 10. It is sensitive to freezing temperatures, so it must be protected during the winter months. It should not be planted near sidewalks or areas that are subject to heavy foot traffic, as it has a tendency to break off at ground level.
Pests and diseases
One of the most common problems with aeonium arboreum zwartkop is mealybugs. These pests attack the plant by sucking out the sap, which can cause the leaves to turn yellow and eventually drop off. If you see mealybugs on your plant, try to remove them with a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol.
Another issue that can affect aeonium arboreum zwartkop is root rot. To prevent this from happening, water your succulents sparingly during the summer months.
Use cactus potting soil for best results when planting an aeonium arboreum zwartkop and fertilize once every month or two using fertilizer made for succulents.
