Want to spice up your plant collection with something bold? These black succulents will stop people in their tracks.
Once you’ve been growing succulents for a while, it’s only natural to crave something more eye-catching. And what better conversation starter than a succulent in shades of black? As unusual as they sound, these moody beauties are real—and here are some of the best black succulents to grow.
Best Black Succulents
1. Black Rose Aeonium
Botanical Name: Aeonium arboreum ‘Zwartkop’
One of the most iconic black succulents, this award-winning Aeonium ranges from deep burgundy to near black. Its bold, pointed rosettes look stunning in both pots and garden beds.
Sunlight is the magic ingredient here—the darker the light, the deeper the color. In the shade, the colors change slightly to a reddish hue with green centers. However, this too looks quite attractive!
Tip: As it matures, it may get top-heavy. A wide, weighted pot keeps it grounded.
2. Echeveria ‘Black Prince’
Botanical Name: Echeveria shaviana x Echeveria affinis
This hybrid Echeveria variety is actually quite royal, just like its name! ‘Black Prince’ has pointed leaves that shift from green to velvety black. Its classic Echeveria shape adds contrast with mixed arrangements, rock gardens, or containers.
It also produces offsets generously, making it easy to multiply for that gothic, moody display.
3. Echeveria ‘Black Knight’
Botanical Name: Echeveria affinis ‘Black Knight’
One of the darkest Echeverias around, ‘Black Knight’ grows long, narrow leaves in beautiful rosettes. In summer, it sends up tall stalks with bell-shaped flowers in red or green.
It is super easy to grow using leaf cuttings. Just don’t let dead ones pile up—they attract pests like ants to a picnic.
4. Chinese Jade
Botanical Name: Sinocrassula yunnanensis
Chinese Jade has an interesting appearance for several reasons. It grows droplet-like fleshy leaves that form rosettes, and their color shifts depending on light. For example, you might see it go from grey to black, when you put it under bright sunlight.
This pretty clump-forming succulent is perfect for low-maintenance gardens and containers. Plus, in the fall and early winter, you can even see yellow or green flowers blooming from the center of the rosette.
5. Black Haworthia
Botanical Name: Haworthia nigra
Unlike most Haworthias that mimic aloe, this one goes to the dark side. The stacked leaves range from deep green to inky black, dotted with tiny white bumps for texture.
They’re rare but great for indoor spaces too, as they tolerate low light better than many succulents.
6. Black ‘Hens and Chicks’
Botanical Name: Sempervivum ‘Black’
‘Hens and Chicks’, also called houseleeks, are dark succulents that closely resemble Haworthia’s coloration. Also, just like any other ‘Hens and Chicks’ or Sempervivum species, this one is quite prolific when it comes to reproducing. This succulent has pointed leaves forming rosettes that start to darken around fall and winter.
If you are looking for an interesting succulent ground cover, these will quickly fill an area. Plus, unlike most succulents on this list, they are cold-hardy too.
7. Mangave ‘Mission Mars’
Botanical Name: Manfreda x Agave
A cross between Manfreda and Agave, this unique plant combines Manfreda’s patterns with Agave’s rosette habit. The leaves curl out in shades of purple-black, and that’s just the cherry on top!
It needs space to shine—full sun and room to spread up to 18 inches wide.
8. Sand Rose
Botanical Name: Anacampseros rufescens
This unassuming succulent turns heads with time. Though it might appear mostly green, its thick, fleshy leaves slowly shift to deep purples and near-blacks with proper light exposure. The tiny white hairs between them help absorb moisture from the air.
It’s also a great pick for hanging baskets or shallow bowls since it stays compact and spreads slowly.
9. Black Dyckia
Botanical Name: Dyckia ‘Black Gold’
Black Dyckia, with spiky black leaves edged in white teeth, this bromeliad plays the part of the rebel. Not a true succulent, but it sure fits the vibe with its bold rosette shape and tough personality.
It’s low-maintenance and pumps out offsets like clockwork, but watch your fingers—the edges are sharp enough to bite.
10. Haworthia splendens
Botanical Name: Haworthia splendens
A collector’s gem, this slow-growing succulent has thick, triangular leaves in a matte black finish with speckled patterns. It sends up tall stalks with white flowers and green throats.
It’s a bit of a late bloomer—offsets take time, but patience pays off with a full mini colony in your pot.
So, these were some of the most amazing and attractive black succulents out there. Which ones are you going to add to your collection? Let us know in the comments below!
