Echeveria affinis ‘Black Knight’ and Echeveria ‘Black Prince’ are some very popular succulents right now. Their deep, moody color is a nice contrast to the bright greens and blues that we commonly see in succulent collections. A lot of times, I see these two getting confused and found myself getting the two mixed up as well. Here they are side by side for reference so we can quickly and easily tell the difference between the two.
Visual Differences Between Echeveria ‘Black Knight’ and ‘Black Prince’
NARROW TUBULAR leaves that come to a sharp point.
DARKER in color. Leaves literally look black.
WIDE TRIANGULAR leaves
LIGHTER in color. Almost has a deep, dark reddish brown tone.
Both of these beauties can be purchased from Succulents Box by clicking on the images above or below!
Echeveria ‘Black Knight’
Echeveria ‘Black Knight’ is a hybrid of Echeveria affinis that is known for its moody dark, almost black leaves. The leaves are thick and pointed, with a glossy surface that adds to their overall appeal. The edges of the leaves are very pointy have a slight reddish hue that can become more pronounced in bright sunlight. The plant can grow up to 6 inches tall and 8 inches wide and produces beautiful coral-pink flowers in the summer. This one is perfect if you have a gothic style garden.
Echeveria ‘Black Prince’
‘Black Prince’ is another hybrid of Echeveria affinis, but it has wider, shorter, more compact leaves than ‘Black Knight’. The leaves are also a darker shade of green and have a slight purple tinge to them. Echeveria ‘Black Prince’ can grow up to 4 inches tall and 6 inches wide and produces gorgeous bright red, bell-shaped flowers in the summer.
Watering
When it comes to watering, both require well-draining soil and infrequent watering. Watering should be done deeply but infrequently to prevent overwatering, which can lead to root rot. It is also important to let the soil dry out completely between waterings to avoid this issue. When it comes to soil, both plants prefer a mixture of cactus soil and perlite to ensure proper drainage.
How to Propagate ‘Black Knight’ and ‘Black Prince’
Propagation of both plants is best done through stem cuttings. Cut a stem from the main plant and let it dry for a few days to form a callus. Then, plant the cutting in well-draining soil and water sparingly until it develops roots. It is also possible to propagate the plants through leaf cuttings, although this method can be more challenging.
Hardiness Zone and Temperature
One key difference between the two plants is their hardiness zone and temperature tolerance. ‘Black Knight’ is hardy in USDA zones 9 to 11 and can’t tolerate temperatures below 25°F, while ‘Black Prince’ is hardy in USDA zones 10 to 11 and can tolerate temperatures down to 30°F. Additionally, ‘Black Prince’ requires more sunlight than ‘Black Knight’, thriving in full sun to partial shade. If not given enough light, the leaves may elongate and lose their vibrant color.
Pests and Problems
In terms of common problems, both plants can be susceptible to pests such as mealybugs and spider mites. If you notice any pests, use a mild soap and water solution to remove them. Overwatering can also be an issue, so it is important to let the soil dry out completely between watering to avoid root rot. With proper care, can be stunning additions to any succulent collection.
For more succulents that are hard to tell apart, click here.
