How to grow a Black Rose succulent plant

Aeonium arboreum atropurpureum

I am at Seal Beach, California and looking at this beautiful specimen, commonly called a Black Rose or Black Tree aeonium.  It is considered a succulent plant and its foliage will become very deep red, almost black in appearance, with a lot of direct sun.  It grows in a small tree-like shape and makes a stunningly gorgeous indoor plant.  It should be easy to keep for many years, if you have a place where it can receive a few hours or more of direct sun.  The depth of the red in its leaves is dependent on how much sunlight it is getting.  

Here, in southern California, it adapts well outdoors because of  the frost-free days, although it naturally grows in the Mediterranean region of the world.  This one has been placed next to a wall so that it gets shade part of the day which is better for it outdoors. It is owned by a thoughtful gentleman who will water it when it needs it.  

Care Instructions---

• Direct sun. The more it gets, the deeper red its leaves will be.
• It should dry out some, but not sit dry for too long.  It will start losing lower leaves around the rosettes if it dries out too much.
• A plant in a 6" (15 cm) diameter pot will need water when the soil is dry 1/2"-1" (about 2-3 cm) below the soil surface and use about 1 pint of water, when necessary
• In an 8" (20 cm) diameter pot, the soil should be dry about 1" (about 2-3 cm) below the soil surface and use about 1-1/2 pints or up to 1 quart of water (about 3/4-1 liter).  A thorough soak is recommended but don't let them sit in standing water for long.
• Fertilize regularly for best growth.  Every 2 months or so should suffice for slow-growing succulents.

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**To see more indoor plants on this blog, click here: The Indoor Garden blog

***To view short video clips on plant care from my 90's TV series, click here:  The Indoor Garden TV

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