Welcome to our blog! Today, we’re going to introduce you to the beautiful Echeveria affinis ‘Black Knight’ – a small, perennial plant that is native to Mexico and known for its striking, dark purple-black leaves.
What is Echeveria Affinis ‘Black Knight’?
Echeveria affinis ‘Black Knight’ is a member of the Crassulaceae family, which also includes popular plants such as jade plants and sedum. As a succulent, it is adapted to store water in its leaves, stems, and roots, allowing it to survive long periods of drought. This makes it a great choice for dry, sunny areas and a perfect addition to any xeriscape garden. It’s also an excellent option for indoor gardening, as it requires minimal care and is able to tolerate low light conditions.
One of the things we love most about Echeveria affinis ‘Black Knight’ is its bold, dramatic appearance. The plant’s dark purple-black leaves are fleshy and triangular in shape, and grow up to 5 inches long. They’re arranged in beautiful rosettes around the stem, adding a touch of elegance to any space. In the summer, the plant produces small, pink flowers that grow on tall, slender stalks, adding an extra pop of color.
How to Care for Echeveria Affinis ‘Black Knight’
Caring for Echeveria affinis ‘Black Knight’ is easy – just follow these simple steps:
- Provide the plant with well-draining soil
- Water sparingly, allowing the soil to dry out completely between waterings
- Protect the plant from direct sunlight to prevent leaf scorching
- If you’d like to propagate your plant, you can do so by separating offsets or taking leaf cuttings
While Echeveria affinis ‘Black Knight’ is generally resistant to pests and diseases, it can be prone to infestations of mealybugs and aphids. To control these pests, you can use an insecticidal soap or horticultural oil. Just be sure to follow the instructions on the label to ensure the safety of your plant.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Echeveria affinis ‘Black Knight’ is a beautiful and low-maintenance plant that is well-suited for a variety of garden and indoor settings. Its dark purple-black leaves add a bold, dramatic touch to any space, and its ability to tolerate drought makes it a great choice for dry, sunny areas. With proper care, this plant can thrive for many years. If you’re looking to add some drama to your garden or indoor space, give Echeveria affinis ‘Black Knight’ a try!
Growing Season:
Summer
Dormant Season:
Winter
Hardy to USDA Zone: 10a- Size: Up to 6″ wide
- Foliage: Black, Dark Green
- Flower: Red (Fall-Winter)
Propagation: Stem cuttings, leaves, seed, offsets
Light: Full sun, bright shade
Water: Drench & Dry
Soil: Gritty, mostly inorganic, quickly draining- Origin: Mexico
Echeveria affinis ‘Black Knight’ is a dramatic rosette shaped succulent with dark leaves that are practically black when given enough light. The leaves are a lighter green towards the base and the pointy tips are light yellow.
Since Echeveria affinis is native to the warm/milder climate of Mexico, they are not cold hardy and should be brought inside for the winter and placed under strong grow lights to maintain its deep color.
They can be prone to mealy bugs, so preventative treatment with a systemic insecticide will keep those bad bugs at bay.
Be sure to remove any dried up leaves at the base of your Echeveria ‘Black Knight’ so that bugs don’t have anywhere to hide. Removing the dried up leaves also improves airflow around your plant, reducing the likelihood of root or crown rot.