Discover 8 stunning black succulents you can grow in water, each with dark-toned magnificence that brings elegance to your home.
Succulents are resilient, but black succulents are both resilient and mysterious. Their deep shades of burgundy and purple look beautiful amidst the green plants. Here’s a list of eight gorgeous black succulents that thrive without soil and just need a little light, patience, and water.
8 Stunning Black Succulents
1. Black Prince
Botanical Name: Echeveria ‘Black Prince’
The dark rosette leaves and gothic appeal make this a favorite among plant enthusiasts. To grow it in water, place a healthy leaf cutting in a jar with the base just touching the water, but keep it in bright, indirect sunlight. Within a few weeks, roots will begin to form, and you’ll experience the most gorgeous shades of darkness.
2. Black Knight
Botanical Name: Echeveria ‘Black Knight’
Echeverias are gorgeous, but this Echeveria grows in narrow, pointed leaves with a rich purple-black shade. Growing it in water is simple. Start by removing a rosette and let it sit above the water’s surface so only the roots touch. The contrast of these dark leaves against clear glass itself makes it a beautiful display.
Try using colored or frosted glass jars — the reflection enhances its dark tones even more!
3. Black Rose
Botanical Name: Aeonium arboreum ‘Zwartkop’
This plant looks like black roses, which makes this plant adds a dramatic mood to any room. To grow in water, cut a healthy stem and place it in a glass container. Change the water weekly and ensure enough light. After a while, the roots will develop, and a fun fact? The plant can stay in water for months, but don’t forget timely checks.
If you want faster growth, keep the container in a warm spot around 20–25°C, as Aeoniums respond well to mild warmth.
4. Chinese Jade
Botanical Name: Sinocrassula yunnanensis
A rare succulent that forms dense clusters of deep green to black leaves. Furthermore, it’s small and easy to propagate in water. Start by simply taking a leaf cutting and let it float in shallow water until roots appear. Also, it looks tremendously attractive in small terrariums or jars.
Because it stays compact, you can even use it for tabletop décor or mini glass gardens — it’s like having a little dark forest on your desk!
5. Haworthia Nigra
Botanical Name: Sinocrassula Yunnanensis
This succulent grows slowly, and the leaves form a triangle. With colors from deep green that almost appear black under sunlight, it is magnificent. Although it typically grows in soil, you can propagate it in water by keeping just the roots submerged. Additionally, ensure to keep it in moderate light and with minimal water changes.
Haworthias are prone to rot in stagnant water, so refresh it every 4–5 days to keep it healthy and happy.
6. Black Hens and Chicks
Botanical Name: Sempervivum ‘Black’
Popular for its compact and rosette shape, this succulent turns darker with more sun exposure. To grow in water, gently separate the chick from the main plant and place it in a bowl of water with only its base touching. Want to know a secret? It’s hardy and tolerant of varied conditions, so, don’t be late in bringing them home!
7. Raven ZZ Plant
Botanical Name: Zamioculcas zamiifolia ‘Raven’
Unlike most succulents, the Raven ZZ isn’t strictly a desert plant. It has dark, glossy foliage and is drought-tolerant. Place a stem cutting in a jar with water covering the nodes. It thrives in low to bright indirect light and adds a bold statement to any room. Since it grows well in water, you’ll be amazed to see it bloom in it.
The water will stay clear longer if you add a few drops of liquid fertilizer once every 3–4 weeks — this encourages strong root growth.
8. Black Echeveria
Botanical Name: Echeveria affinis
Echeveria affinis forms dense, short-stemmed rosettes of thick, fleshy, pointed leaves. The brownish-olive leaves are yellowish-green at the base. The care routine will remain similar to Echeveria’s in water, but make sure not to let water sit in the rosette, as it can cause rot or fungal diseases that will kill the plant.
Also, keep an eye out for algae growth in your container — it’s a sign the water needs changing and the plant needs more light.
Growing black succulents in water is simple and beautiful. These plants not only save space but also add a unique vibe to your home. Lastly, let us know in the comments which plant you loved the most.
