Introducing the 'Aeonium arboreum Atropurpureum', known as Purple Rose, dark purple houseleek tree, and Black tree Aeonium a stunning variety of Aeonium arboreum.  With shorter limbs, larger heads on extremely long stems, and rosettes of green leaves with a deep purple color on the edges, this striking succulent differs from the black rose  'Aeonium Zwartkop' with a tall, arching stem and rosettes with dark purple color to black leaves. 

Its vibrant small yellow star-shaped flowers bloom in the spring, making it a true showstopper. Hailing from the Canary Islands, it can grow up to three to five feet tall. Aeonium arboreum plants are exceptionally easy to propagate by seeds and stem cuttings. So, you can quickly grow your collection with a sharp knife by following a few simple steps.  

Picture its striking presence among your other greenery, and know that it is easy to care for, so if you like the look, then be sure to make it a part of your home or garden. 

Watering Needs 

Overwatering should be avoided at all costs as the purple rose is highly vulnerable to root rot if kept in constantly damp soil. It's important to allow the soil to fully dry out between each watering, and if you're unsure whether or not it's time for another drink, err on the side of caution and give it some extra time. 

Although desert succulents like Aeonium atropurpureum are able to survive months without water. As such, it is able to store water in its leaves and stems. When the soil is dry to the touch, it is an indication that the plant needs water. So, pay close attention to this purple beauty watering needs; you'll be able to keep your purple rose tree healthy and happy for years to come! 

In the summer months, aeoniums can go dormant and don't need water unless the weather is extremely dry. During the winter growing period, water the purple rose moderately every two to three weeks.   

Light Requirements 

The Purple rose requires a lot of light and should be grown in either full sun or part shade. New plants can get burned in full direct sunlight as they were probably grown in a greenhouse; therefore, gradually increase their exposure to sunlight so that it doesn't get burned by the intense rays. 

When grown in full sun, the foliage of Aeonium atropurpureum turns almost black - talk about adding incredible interest to your outdoor space! On the other hand, if you grow it in partial shade, the leaf rosette takes on a reddish-purple hue with a green center. 

You can even grow purple aeonium indoors! Just make sure to place them near southern and western windows for optimal sunlight exposure. Don't leave them languishing in dim light, though - move them outdoors from time to time for 4 - 6 hours at least when natural light is scarce (like during winter).  Remember, Purple rose tree aeoniums will not go dormant if they are kept indoors or in a shaded area. They can still grow well in these conditions, but they may grow more slowly than they would outdoors. 

With proper care and attention paid to their light requirements, purple roses are sure to be statement pieces wherever they grow! 

Optimal Soil & Fertilizer Needs 

Purple roses like very airy, porous, nutrient-rich soil with a pH of 5.6 - 6.5, Succulents require fast-draining soil that dries completely between waterings. Your soil must have a sandy texture and a low water-holding capacity, just like desert soil.  Soggy wet soil can damage your tree aeonium and contributes to bacterial and fungal rot. In addition, because of a lack of oxygen, soggy soil substitutes air pockets with water, resulting in an anaerobic environment that can kill your healthy plants. 

 As an alternative, you can create your own potting mix by combining equal portions of perlite, coarse sand, peat moss, and good natural potting soil. Ideally, you want to use our specialized potting mix that contains organic mycorrhizae to promote the development of a strong root system that helps your aeonium arboreum var. atropurpureum to thrive.  

Ideally, you should look for a natural fertilizer with an approximate blend of 5-10-5 that is higher in phosphorus than nitrogen. The best choice is to use a natural fertilizer as they last longer and keep your soil alive by adding other beneficial compounds and microbes that encourage plant health and nutrient absorption. 

Hardiness Zones & more 

The purple aeonium can't stand frost or too much humidity, therefore it needs warm, dry conditions. A well-draining potting mix and drainage holes in the potting container will help you maintain temperatures and prevent too much moisture. They can therefore be cultivated year-round outside in USDA zones 9 through 11. 

The ideal temperature for the purple rose tree is 65-75 degrees Fahrenheit, it can survive moderate winter temperatures as long as the soil is not wet and the temperature does not drop below 35 degrees F. 

Frost can be damaging to the purple rose, causing the leaves to become soft and mushy. If the plant is exposed to frost for an extended period of time, it may die. It is important to protect the plant from frost by bringing it indoors or covering it with a frost blanket when temperatures are expected to drop below freezing. 

Give this Aeonium arboreum atropurpureum - purple rose succulent - a try if you're looking for an easy plant to care for!