Succulents are popular houseplants that are easy to care for and come in a stunning array of colors, shapes, and textures. Among the diversity of succulents, there are some particularly striking black varieties that make a dramatic statement in any indoor garden. With their dark pigmentation and unique forms, black succulents stand out from the crowd and add bold contrast when paired with brighter plants.

We showcase 8 of the most impressive black succulent varieties to consider adding to your plant collection. From black roses to black gems, these deep hued beauties are sure to bring gothic allure and sophistication to your indoor jungle.

Black Prince Echeveria

The Black Prince echeveria is a slow-growing Mexican succulent that forms striking rosettes of triangular leaves. As the rosette matures, the olive-green leaves darken to nearly black at the tips. When grown in full sun, the entire leaf becomes a deep purple-black.

This easy-to-grow echeveria reaches about 6 inches in diameter and does well indoors near a sunny window. The rosettes look beautiful clustered in groups or as standalone specimens. The Black Prince is an eye-catching addition to mixed succulent planters.

Here are some key facts about the Black Prince echeveria:

Botanical Name: Echeveria affinis ‘Black Prince’
Native to Central America
Rosette Form
Dark purple-black leaves
Thrives in full sun
Drought tolerant once established
Excellent for containers and planters
Height and Width: 6 inches

With its mystical dark foliage, the Black Prince echeveria brings gothic elegance wherever its planted. This easy-to-find succulent is a must for beginners and experts alike.

Black Knight Echeveria

Closely related to the Black Prince variety, the Black Knight echeveria has rounded leaves that form a tight rosette. The olive-green leaves are edged with deep red hues that intensify to nearly black as the plant matures in full sun.

This compact echeveria grows to about 5 inches wide and tall, making it perfect for tabletops and windowsills. Group multiples together for a striking monochromatic display. The Black Knight thrives indoors in bright, direct light and well-draining soil.

Fun facts about the Black Knight:

Botanical Name: Echeveria affinis ‘Black Knight’
Native to Mexico
Dark red-black leaves with green centers
Grows best in full sun
Height and Width: Approximately 5 inches
Cold hardy to 30°F (-1°C)
Great for containers and mixed succulent gardens

The Black Knight offers deep, gothic foliage on a compact, rosette-forming plant. This variety is easy to integrate into moody succulent arrangements.

Black Hens and Chicks

Sempervivum are commonly known as hens and chicks due to their clustering growth habit, with smaller “chicks” sprouting from the larger “hen” rosettes. The Black Hens and Chicks variety has dramatically dark leaves that give it a gothic allure.

The fleshy leaves emerge green but darken to deep burgundy-black at the tips as the plant matures. The tightly packed rosettes grow to about 4 inches wide. Offsets will form around the mother plant, creating a colony.

Black hens and chicks thrive outdoors in cold climates but also do well in containers. Key traits include:

Botanical Name: Sempervivum tectorum ‘Black’
Native to the Alpine mountains
Extremely cold hardy (-30°F/-34°C)
Rosette-forming habit
Offsets called “chicks” sprout from mother rosette
Dark burgundy-black leaves
Drought and heat tolerant
Height/Width: 4 inches

With its inky leaves and easy propagation, Black Hens and Chicks make an excellent choice for rock gardens, mixed succulent containers, and alpine-style landscapes.

Black Rose Echeveria

As its name suggests, the Black Rose echeveria forms gorgeous black rosettes resembling dark roses. The triangular succulent leaves emerge green but deepen to a dramatic blackish-red. The intense color is especially striking when paired with green and blue succulents.

In addition to its gothic color, the Black Rose is admired for its ruffled, wavy leaf edges that give it texture and depth. This exotic succulent grows to about 6 inches wide and does best in porous, well-draining soil. Indoors, provide several hours of direct sunlight per day.

Fun facts about the Black Rose:

Botanical Name: Echeveria ‘Black Rose’
Native to Mexico
Ruffled, dark red-black leaves
Height/Width: Approximately 6 inches
Thrives in porous soil and full sun
Gorgeous rosettes resemble black roses
Great for mixed succulent containers

With its dark romance, the Black Rose echeveria brings drama to windowsills, centerpieces, and gothic-themed gardens. This striking succulent is sure to start conversations.

Black Gem Echeveria

Just like a black jewel, the Black Gem echeveria dazzles with its inky leaves. This hybrid succulent forms a loose rosette of triangle-shaped leaves edged in deep burgundy. The fleshy leaves darken to nearly black toward the tips when grown in full sun.

In addition to its dark color, the Black Gem has a beautiful iridescent sheen on the surface of its leaves. This gives it an exotic, gem-like quality. The rosettes grow up to 5 inches wide and do best in porous potting mixes. Provide bright light to encourage the darkest coloration.

Fun facts about Black Gem:

Botanical Name: Echeveria ‘Black Gem’
Hybrid of Echeveria affinis
Loose rosette habit
Deep burgundy leaves with black tips
Iridescent sheen on leaves
Height/Width: Approximately 5 inches
Drought tolerant
Thrives indoors near sunny windows

Like a precious stone, the Black Gem echeveria dazzles with its dark drama. Use it as an accent plant among brighter colored succulents or let it shine solo in a monochromatic pottery container.

Black Knight Crassula

True to its name, the Black Knight crassula has dramatically dark leaves stacked along trailing stems. This succulent plant has a shrubby growth habit unlike the rosette form of other varieties. The pointed leaves emerge green and darken to blackish-purple.

This Crassula ovata cultivar grows long stems up to 3 feet tall that cascade beautifully over container edges. Outdoors it takes on a small tree-like shape. Its dark color is striking against brightly colored pots and planters.

Key traits of Black Knight crassula:

Botanical Name: Crassula ovata ‘Black Knight’
Shrubby growth habit with cascading stems
Pointed leaves turn nearly black
Can reach 3 feet tall indoors
Native to South Africa
Tolerates drought
Great for hanging baskets and mixed containers

With its ebony foliage and flowing shape, the Black Knight crassula brings drama to gardens, patios, and interior plantscapes. Prune back stems to encourage bushier growth.

Black Pagoda Lipstick Plant

The Black Pagoda lipstick plant has smoke-like dark foliage with a pagoda-shaped growth habit. Its slender deep purple stems bear elongated glossy leaves that emerge burgundy and darken to blackish green.

Unlike many succulents, this plant keeps its dense foliage when grown indoors. It can reach 2-3 feet tall and spreads 1-2 feet wide, making a bushy statement in containers. Provide bright light to maintain the deepest color.

Fun facts about Black Pagoda:

Botanical Name: Aeschynanthus ‘Black Pagoda’
Tropical plant native to Southeast Asia
Dark burgundy stems and leaves
Pagoda or tower-shaped growth habit
Height/Width: 2-3 feet tall and spreading
Loves humidity and warm temperatures
Eye-catching shape for mixed containers

With its beguiling dark tiers of foliage, Black Pagoda lipstick plant adds drama and texture perfect for modern indoor gardens. Keep soil moist but not soggy for this tropical beauty.

ZZ Black Raven

The ZZ Black Raven is an exotic variety of the ZZ plant with glossy near-black leaves. This tropical plant grows slowly into a spiky, mounded shape reaching 3-4 feet tall indoors. Its stems emerge lime green and darken with age.

Native to eastern Africa and Southeast Asia, the Black Raven thrives in warm, humid environments. Its dark leaves contrast beautifully with brighter green and variegated ZZ cultivars. Provide bright indirect light away from direct sunlight to prevent leaf burn.

Fun facts about ZZ Black Raven:

Botanical Name: Zamioculcas zamiifolia ‘Black Raven’
Very dark green to black foliage
Tolerates low light and irregular watering
Can reach 3 feet tall and wide
Native to tropical Africa and Asia
Perfect unusual accent plant for modern interiors

With its exotic black foliage, the ZZ Black Raven makes a striking focal point among more common houseplants. Its adaptability to low light makes it an excellent choice for beginners.

Black Anthurium

Known for their glossy heart-shaped leaves, anthurium come in a wide range of colors. The black varieties have leaves so deep purple they appear black. These tropical beauties make bold statements in indoor garden designs.

Black anthurium typically have greenish-black foliage and dark burgundy flowers. Popular varieties include Black Crystal, Midnight, and Black Queen. Provide bright filtered light, high humidity, and moist well-draining soil. Protect from direct sun which can burn the leaves.

Fun facts about black anthurium:

Botanical name: Anthurium species
Tropical perennials native to South America
Deep greenish-black heart-shaped leaves
Exotic-looking dark burgundy flower spikes
Height: 1-3 feet tall depending on variety
High humidity and warm temperatures
Striking leaves great for cut flower arrangements

With its huge black leaves and romantic flowers, black anthurium makes a dramatic houseplant for bathrooms and living spaces. The dark colors add intrigue to indoor jungle themes.

Dark Mammy Croton

Few houseplants can rival the color intensity of croton. The Dark Mammy variety has leaves so deep purple they appear black. Shades of pink, red, orange, and yellow provide dazzling contrast.

This bushy plant has broad oval leaves on woody stems. Outdoors it can reach 10 feet tall but indoors is usually maintained under 5 feet. Provide very bright light to encourage the richest color. Rotate the plant periodically so all sides get light exposure.

Fun Croton Facts:

Botanical Name: Codiaeum variegatum ‘Dark Mammy’
Native to islands of the Pacific
Dramatic variegated foliage in shades of purple, red, orange
Grows as a shrub or small tree
Can reach 5 feet tall indoors
Loves hot, humid tropical conditions
Tolerates occasional droughts

For its outrageous color and tropical vibe, the Dark Mammy croton makes a stellar accent plant. Place it prominently in a well-lit room and get ready for the compliments!

Caring for Black Succulents

While most black succulents share basic care needs, always research the specific requirements for your particular variety. Here are some general tips for keeping black beauties healthy:

Light

Most black succulents need very bright light to encourage dark pigmentation.
Place them in southern or western facing windows. Supplement with grow lights.
Rotating the plants ensures all sides get sufficient light exposure.
Protect from hot, direct afternoon sun which can scorch leaves.

Water

Allow the soil to dry out between waterings.
Take care not to overwater, which can lead to rot.
Wait until leaves look slightly shriveled before watering.
Water thoroughly until it drains from holes in the pot.

Soil

Use a porous potting mix made for cacti and succulents.
Add extra perlite or pumice to improve drainage.
Re-pot every 2-3 years in fresh soil.
Avoid soil mixes with water-retentive peat or moss.

Temperature & Humidity

Most varieties thrive in average home temperatures around 65-75°F (18-24°C).
Keep away from cold drafts and heating vents which can damage leaves.
Most like 40-50% humidity if possible. Group plants together for added humidity.

Fertilizer

During spring and summer, use a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted by half strength every 2-3 weeks.
Cease fertilizing during winter months.
Excess fertilizer can damage roots, so less is more.

With the right care, black succulents reward growers with their mystical dark beauty year after year. Try mixing different shapes and textures for intriguing plant combinations. The gothic allure of black succulents makes a stunning statement in any indoor garden.

Frequently Asked Questions About Black Succulents

Why do some succulents turn black?

Many succulents develop dark pigmentation in response to high light conditions. The increased anthocyanin pigments act as a sunscreen to protect the plant’s cells from damage. Dark colors also absorb heat to help the plants thrive in hot, dry conditions.

How much light do black succulents need?

Most black succulents require very bright light to maintain their deep hues. Place them in a south or west facing window. Supplement natural light with grow lights if needed. Gradually acclimate plants to prevent leaf scorch.

Should black succulent leaves be soft or firm?

A healthy black succulent should have leaves that feel firm and plump, not squishy. Soft or mushy leaves indicate overwatering. Allow the soil to dry between waterings and cut back on your watering frequency.

Why are my black succulent leaves turning green?

If black succulent leaves turn green, it means the plant is not getting enough light. Move it closer to a sunny window or under grow lights. The darker pigments will return with adequate brightness. Rotate the plant periodically so all sides develop color.

Can black succulents live outdoors?

Some black succulents like sempervivum and sedum are cold hardy and can live outdoors year-round. Others like echeveria need warm temperatures and are best grown as outdoor annuals during the warm season. Move black succulents indoors before winter frost.

Should I mist my black succulents?

Avoid misting succulents, which can lead to leaf rot if water sits on the leaves. The fleshy leaves and stems readily absorb all the moisture they need from the soil and air. Maintain indoor humidity around 40-50% if possible. Group plants together to benefit from their collective transpiration.

Final Thoughts

Beyond their gothic allure, black succulents offer versatile forms, textures, and growth habits to complement any indoor garden. They make exotic specimen plants yet also combine beautifully with brighter colors. With selections ranging from black roses to black towers, these mystical beauties captivate anyone who experiences their stunning colors and forms. Enjoy treating your home or office to the elegance of the dark side!

8 Impressive Black Succulent Varieties

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