Aeonium 'Black King Kong' is among the most beautiful Asian variegated Aeoniums. Its colors are ever-changing, and if you leave your home for a week, you may not recognize it when you return.
Scientific Name
Aeonium 'Black King Kong'
Scientific Classification
Family: Crassulaceae
Subfamily: Sempervivoideae
Tribe: Aeonieae
Genus: Aeonium
Origin
Aeonium 'Black King Kong' is a new breed of Chinese variegated Aeoniums. It is thought to be a sport of Aeonium 'Mardi Gras'.
Description
Aeonium 'Black King Kong' is a spectacular succulent that forms rosettes of variegated leaves at the ends of short branches. It can reach a height of up to 12 inches (30 cm) and produces offsets from the outer ring of the main rosette, resulting in a pyramid-shaped shrublet. The leaves are maroon to nearly black with red edges during the summer, and they transition to a vibrant mix of purple, pink, green, and cream throughout the growing season.
To date, flowering has not been observed.
How to Grow and Care for Aeonium 'Black King Kong'
Light: Aeonium 'Black King Kong' thrives in full sun to partial shade, but in summer, light shade may be necessary, especially during the hotter afternoon hours. When growing indoors, ensure it receives as much bright indirect light as possible to prevent the plant from becoming leggy and stretched.
Soil: Unlike most succulents, this plant requires sandy loam or regular potting soil amended with perlite. Avoid placing it in premade soil mixes designed for succulents, as it needs more moisture than these mixes typically provide.
Temperature: Aeonium 'Black King Kong' does not like hot or dry weather, so it may go dormant in summer. It grows best in USDA Plant Hardiness Zones 10a to 11b, with average minimum winter temperatures ranging from 30 to 50 °F (-1.1 to 10 °C).
Watering: Water the plant thoroughly in spring and fall, allowing the soil to dry before watering again. During the winter, water it more sparingly. Although this plant requires more water than most succulents, too much moisture can lead to root rot. Stop watering except in arid conditions during its summer dormancy.
Fertilizing: Apply a water-soluble fertilizer diluted to half the recommended strength during the growing season to stimulate growth and improve the plant's appearance.
Repotting: If Aeonium 'Black King Kong' grows in a container, repot it every two to three years during the spring. Choose a container with drainage holes to prevent root rot.
Propagation: This plant is easy to propagate by stem cuttings. Take cuttings during the growing season and allow the cut end to dry for several days before planting.
Learn more at How to Grow and Care for Aeonium.
Toxicity of Aeonium 'Black King Kong'
Aeonium 'Black King Kong' is considered non-toxic, so growing around children and pets is safe.
Links
- Back to genus Aeonium
- Succupedia: Browse succulents by Scientific Name, Common Name, Genus, Family, USDA Hardiness Zone, Origin, or cacti by Genus
Photo Gallery
Click on a photo to see a larger version.
