Purple & Black Succulents are incredibly striking and dramatic. They make for eye-catching plants both in arrangements and in the garden. The deepest purple and black pigments tend to be found in types like Aeonium, Echeveria, Sedum, and Sempervivum. Keep these varieties in full, outdoor sun or under a grow light to see their most intense colors.
In arrangements, purple and black succulents make quite an impact when grouped with other dark plants of a similar color tone. You can also achieve eye-catching contrast by pairing them with complementary colors such as Yellow & Gold Succulents.
In addition to bright light, infrequent watering can "beautifully stress" a succulent and bring out its darkest colors. Succulents are adapted to long droughts and like to be watered in a cycle of soaking and drying periods. Only water when the soil is completely dry and the leaves start to feel limp. Then, deeply drench the plant and do not water again until the soil is completely dry.
Succulents of all colors thrive in well-draining pots and soil. Use a gritty soil mix with a high proportion of coarse sand, perlite, pumice, or other mineral grit. A lean soil like Bonsai Jack's Gritty Mix helps a succulent develop strong roots and prevents rot. Pair it with a container with a drainage hole to help your succulent thrive and show its best coloration.
Many succulents also experience seasonal color variation. For frost hardy succulents, like Sempervivum (Hens & Chicks) and Sedum (Stonecrops), low temperatures and winter dormancy coincides with their darkest flushes of pigment. For tender succulents like Echeveria and Aeonium, the deepest purple tones occur in the sunny summer months.
