Echeveria 'Black Prince' is a dramatic hybrid succulent forming a rosette of dark, almost black, triangular leaves that emerge green at the centre and deepen to chocolate-maroon and near-black in strong sun. This bold colour makes it a standout in succulent collections and arrangements. In autumn to winter it produces striking deep-red bell flowers on short stalks. It is easy, drought-tolerant and slow-growing. It needs bright light to maintain its dark colour, gritty soil and sparing water. In India it thrives in full sun on balconies and rooftops, sheltered from monsoon rain.
Specifications
| Family |
Crassulaceae |
| Native region |
Hybrid (Mexico parentage) |
| Mature height |
8-15 cm |
| Mature spread |
12-20 cm |
| Growth rate |
Slow |
| Foliage |
Dark maroon to near-black rosette |
| Flower colour |
Deep red |
| Flower season |
Autumn to winter |
| Climate zone |
Arid, USDA 9-11 |
Care guide
| Sunlight |
Full sun to bright light for dark colour |
| Watering |
Soak and dry; water only when soil is dry |
| Soil / mix |
Gritty, fast-draining succulent mix |
| Temperature |
10-32 C; protect from frost |
| Humidity |
Low; prefers dry air |
| Fertilizer |
Dilute succulent feed once in spring/summer |
| Pruning |
Remove dried lower leaves |
| Repotting |
Every 2-3 years in fresh mix |
| Propagation |
Offsets, leaf cuttings, beheading |
| Pests & problems |
Mealybugs, aphids |
| Toxicity / safety |
Non-toxic / pet-safe |
| Difficulty |
Easy |
Uses
A dramatic ornamental succulent for tabletop pots, dish gardens, arrangements and sunny windowsills. Its dark rosette adds bold contrast among lighter succulents.
Growing tips
In India give it plenty of direct sun to keep the leaves dark and almost black; in low light it reverts to green. Use gritty soil, water sparingly, and shelter it from heavy monsoon rains to avoid rot.