Echeveria 'Black Prince' was introduced by Abbey Gardens in the CSSA Journal in 1970. This hybrid is quite variable, and the plant we know today as Echeveria 'Black Prince' does not entirely match the first description provided by Abbey Garden. According to ICN, it might have been lost to cultivation, and the name has been applied to other Echeverias with black leaves. Similar plants to Echeveria 'Black Prince' are distributed as Echeveria 'Black River'.
Scientific Name
Echeveria 'Black Prince'
Scientific Classification
Family: Crassulaceae
Subfamily: Sempervivoideae
Tribe: Sedeae
Genus: Echeveria
Origin
Echeveria 'Black Prince' is a hybrid created by Frank Reinelt of Capitola, California, United States. It results from a cross between Echeveria shaviana and Echeveria affinis.
Description
Echeveria 'Black Prince' is a stunning succulent that forms star-shaped rosettes of fleshy, pointed, deep burgundy to nearly black leaves. The rosettes can grow 5 inches (12.5 cm) in height and 6 inches (15 cm) in diameter. As the rosettes mature, they produce offsets around the base, forming a dense clump. The new growth in the center of the rosettes provides a bright green contrast to the dark outer leaves. If the plant does not receive enough light, the leaves will lose their color, but they can become coppery orange when exposed to full summer sun.
The hybrid produces bell-shaped, red flowers contrasting the dark rosettes during late fall and winter. The flowers appear held on tall stalks with large, leaf-like bracts.
Echeveria 'Black Prince' is often confused with Echeveria affinis but can be easily distinguished from the species by the numerous large bracts.
How to Grow and Care for Echeveria 'Black Prince'
Light: Echeveria 'Black Prince' requires full sun to partial shade for optimal growth. Therefore, place it near the brightest window in your home. In addition, if you are moving the plant outside in spring, do it gradually and avoid exposure to intense afternoon sun.
Soil: Having soil that drains quickly is most important for growing a healthy succulent. While many growers prefer to create their own soil mix, commercial soil for succulents will work fine.
Temperature: High temperatures are not a problem as long as there is plenty of fresh air, but Echeveria 'Black Prince' is a tender succulent and must be brought indoors if there is a risk of freezing temperatures. 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: The "soak and dry" method is the preferred schedule for this plant during the growing season. Water deeply and then let the soil completely dry out before watering again. Water sparingly during the winter, only enough to keep the plant from shriveling. Above all, if you have a saucer under the pot, do not forget to empty the excess water.
Fertilizing: Although it can grow well without fertilizer, the plant may benefit from extra nutrients. Feed only during the growing season and use a water-soluble fertilizer diluted to half the recommended strength.
Repotting: If growing it in a container, repot as needed in spring or early summer, but ensure the soil is dry before you start. Also, always use a container with drainage holes.
Propagation: Echeveria 'Black Prince' can be propagated by leaves or offsets, with the best time being spring.
Learn more at How to Grow and Care for Echeveria.
Toxicity of Echeveria 'Black Prince'
Echeveria 'Black Prince' has no toxic effects reported. But although the plant is safe for growing around children and pets, eating it is not advisable.
Hybrids of Echeveria 'Black Prince'
Links
- Back to genus Echeveria
- Succupedia: Browse succulents by Scientific Name, Common Name, Genus, Family, USDA Hardiness Zone, Origin, or cacti by Genus
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