How to care for and propagate Aeonium arboreum ‘Zwartkop'Aeonium arboreum ‘Zwartkop' care and propagation informationPin

Aeonium arboreum ‘Zwartkop’

Black Tree Aeonium

This tall dark red and green succulent turns almost black when grown in full sun. It branches off in clumps, becoming bushy when allowed to grow and spread outside. It provides excellent contrast to lighter colored succulents in arrangements.

Quick Look:

  • Full sun

  • Needs more water than a typical succulent

  • Plant grows up to 4′ (1.2 m) tall
    Rosettes grow up to 8″ (20 cm) wide

  • Zone 9a (Minimum 20° F | -6.7° C)

  • Not cold hardy

  • Propagation by cuttings

  • Generally non-toxic to humans and animals

  • Summer Dormant

Care and Propagation Information

General Care for Aeonium arboreum ‘Zwartkop'

‘Zwartkop' is a tall monocarpic succulent, although it can take several years for a rosette to flower. When it does bloom, you can expect to see yellow flowers.

It is deer resistant.

Watering

‘Zwartkop' tends to need more water than other succulents. It's best to use the “soak and dry” method, and allow the soil to dry out completely between watering.

Where to Plant

Aeonium arboreum is not cold hardy, so if you live in a zone that gets colder than 30° F (-1.1° C), it's best to plant this succulent in a container that can be brought indoors. It shows off its deep color in full sun.

Plant in an area of your garden that gets 6 hours of sunlight a day.

How to Propagate Aeonium arboreum ‘Zwartkop'

Aeonium arboreum ‘Zwartkop' is best propagated from cuttings. As the stem grows taller, the lower leaves will fall off and die, leaving a bare stem. As it grows, you can behead the rosette, and a new one will form.

Cuttings

To behead ‘Zwartkop', use a sterile, sharp knife or pair of scissors. Remove a stem from the main plant, and allow it to callous for several days before placing on well-draining soil. Water whenever the soil has dried out completely.

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Keeping track of watering and remember the name of your succulent can be tricky. The Succulent Tracker App helps with both! Plus, it allows you to keep a photo history of your succulent, record when you repot or treat for pests, along with a number of other helpful actions.

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