Echeveria 'Black Prince'
Also known as: Black hen and chicks
A dramatic dark hybrid whose triangular leaves go almost black in strong sun, staying green only at the rosette heart. It belongs to the Echeveria genus, comes from Garden hybrid, stays around Rosette 15–20 cm, and tolerates USDA 9b–11; protect below 2 °C. Individual plants vary, so treat this as a general guide rather than a guarantee.
Key facts
- Genus: Echeveria
- Origin: Garden hybrid
- Mature size: Rosette 15–20 cm
- Hardiness: USDA 9b–11; protect below 2 °C
- Toxicity: Non-toxic
Succulent at a glance
- Genus
- Echeveria
- Origin
- Garden hybrid
- Mature size
- Rosette 15–20 cm
- Growth habit
- Clustering dark rosettes on short stems
- Leaf colour
- Deep chocolate-purple to near-black green centre
- Flower colour
- Red-orange flowers in autumn
- Hardiness
- USDA 9b–11; protect below 2 °C
- Toxicity
- Non-toxic
- Other names
- Black hen and chicks
About the Echeveria 'Black Prince'
A dramatic dark hybrid whose triangular leaves go almost black in strong sun, staying green only at the rosette heart. Autumn-blooming with red-orange flowers — unusual timing for the genus.
Care and cultivation
Grow in a fast-draining cactus mix with at least 50% mineral grit (pumice or perlite). Water deeply only when the soil has dried completely, then pour away any water left in the saucer. Full morning sun keeps the rosette tight and colours vivid; in very hot climates give light afternoon shade. Remove spent flower stalks and dried lower leaves to discourage mealybugs. Light: Bright light with a few hours of direct morning sun; colours deepen with more sun. Water: Soak-and-dry; about every 10–14 days in spring and fall, less in winter. Use a Fast-draining cactus/succulent mix, 50% mineral grit.
Description
Echeveria 'Black Prince' is an Echeveria succulent from Garden hybrid. A dramatic dark hybrid whose triangular leaves go almost black in strong sun, staying green only at the rosette heart. Autumn-blooming with red-orange flowers — unusual timing for the genus.
Identification
Look for: Deep chocolate-purple to near-black green centre leaves in a Rosette 15–20 cm form. Also answers to Black hen and chicks. The genus is Echeveria, which already narrows down the care requirements considerably. Nickname: 'Black prince'.
Common problems
Mealybugs in leaf axils (wipe with alcohol swab) • Etiolation (stretching) in low light • Powdery farina smudges if touched — it does not grow back • Crown rot if water pools in the rosette
Frequently asked questions
How often should I water my Echeveria 'Black Prince'?
Soak-and-dry; about every 10–14 days in spring and fall, less in winter. Always let the soil dry completely between waterings, and water less in winter when growth slows.
How much light does Echeveria 'Black Prince' need?
Bright light with a few hours of direct morning sun; colours deepen with more sun. If the plant stretches or loses colour, it needs more light.
Related succulents
Succulent information on this page is based on the Wikipedia article on the Echeveria 'Black Prince', supplemented with additional research. Reviewed for accuracy.