Scientific Name
Echeveria 'Dark Vader'
Synonym(s)
Echeveria 'Dark Hawk', Echeveria 'Darkness Power', Echeveria 'Diablo Strength'
Scientific Classification
Family: Crassulaceae
Subfamily: Sempervivoideae
Tribe: Sedeae
Genus: Echeveria
Origin
Echeveria 'Dark Vader' is a hybrid created by Volarth Chi in Taiwan. It results from a cross between Echeveria runyonii 'Topsy Turvy' and Echeveria 'Black Prince'.
Description
Echeveria 'Dark Vader', also known as Echeveria 'Darkness Power', is an unusual succulent that forms rosettes of green leaves that deepen to pink, red, or burgundy in bright sunlight. The rosettes can grow up to 6 inches (15 cm) in diameter. The leaves are darker than those of Echeveria runyonii 'Topsy Turvy'. They are inversely keeled and curled up so that the tips point toward the center of the rosette.
The reddish-orange flowers appear on arching stalks from late summer to fall.
How to Grow and Care for Echeveria 'Dark Vader'
Light: E. 'Dark Vader' prefers full sun to partial shade. If you move your plant outside in the spring, do it gradually. The intense afternoon sun can cause sunburn. During the winter, when your E. 'Dark Vader' is inside, put it near the brightest window in your home. It will stretch if it does not have enough sunlight.
Soil: This succulent needs a potting soil mix that drains quickly. Many growers will create their own mix. However, commercial succulent potting mixes will work fine.
Temperature: This plant is a tender succulent, which means it must be brought indoors for the winter to survive. E. 'Dark Vader' can withstand temperatures as low as 30 °F (-1.1 °C). USDA Plant Hardiness Zones 10a to 11b, 30 to 50 °F (-1.1 to 10 °C).
Watering: Provide moderate amounts of water from spring to fall. The "soak and dry" method is the preferred schedule for watering E. 'Dark Vader'. If you have saucers under the pots, empty the water briefly. Water your plant just enough to keep it from shriveling during winter.
Fertilizing: E. 'Dark Vader' grows well without fertilizer but may benefit from the extra nutrients. Use a slow-release fertilizer in spring or a liquid fertilizer diluted 2 to 4 times more than usual and used less often than recommended.
Repotting: Repot the plant only as needed during spring or early summer when it grows actively. To repot your E. 'Dark Vader', ensure the soil is dry before repotting.
Propagation: Like all Echeverias, this succulent is usually propagated from leaves or offsets. Spring is the best time to take leaf cuttings and separate offsets.
Learn more at How to Grow and Care for Echeveria.
Toxicity of Echeveria 'Dark Vader'
E. 'Dark Vader' has no toxic effects reported. It is safe around pets and humans, although it is not advisable to eat it.
Links
- Back to genus Echeveria
- 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.
