Onyx Succulent

Onyx Succulent (Sempervivum 'Onyx') is a small houseleek that forms neat clusters of glossy, deep purple, almost black rosettes only 5 to 8cm high and 10 to 15cm wide. The pointed rosettes bring instant drama to pots, rockeries and mixed succulent displays. It is rock solid cold hardy and drought tolerant once established.

Why you'll love it

• Near black rosettes. Glossy, deep purple rosettes read as almost black, a dramatic contrast with green and grey succulents.
• Colour that moves. The shade shifts through the year with light and temperature, so summer and winter plants look different.
• Ever living. Sempervivum means ever living, and the rosettes make offsets, called pups, that fill out into a colony.
• Cold hardy and waterwise. It is rock solid cold hardy and manages on very little water once established.
• Easy to place. Its small size suits pots, rockeries, green roofs, bright windowsills and waterwise gardens.

Where it works best

Pots and bowls. Group several rosettes in a shallow bowl of gritty mix for a modern, dark centrepiece, or tuck one into a mixed succulent pot.

Rockeries and green roofs. Plant 15cm apart. Pups form around each rosette and join into a colony of groundcovering rosettes.

Indoors. A bright windowsill suits it, but it needs strong light to hold its deep colour.

Growing Onyx Succulent in Australia

Position and climate. Full sun gives the best leaf colour and root health. It is cold hardy and copes with dry conditions, so it suits warm temperate, cool temperate, Mediterranean and dry inland gardens. In humid districts with wet summers, grow it in a pot that you can shelter from long spells of rain.

Soil. Free draining, gritty soil or a succulent and cactus mix. Wet roots are the main thing to avoid.

Water and feed. Do not overwater. During summer heatwaves, water around the rosettes rather than into them. Established plants need very little.

Pruning. Gently pull off dead old leaves. If pups form, remove them carefully and pot them on, or leave them in place to form a colony of groundcovering rosettes.

What to expect when it arrives

We sell Onyx Succulent as tube stock, a young plant in an 80mm deep tube that establishes quickly. It arrives small and neat, so plant it out in gritty soil or a pot soon after delivery, water it in lightly and then hold back until the soil has dried.

Plants are delivered Australia wide, with delivery from $29.95. Every plant is covered by our 30 day healthy plant guarantee.

Plant care guides and related reading

• Browse succulents
• Rockery plants
• Indoor plants
• Succulents in Australia: a complete care guide

Common questions

Does the colour change?

Yes. The deep purple shifts with light and temperature through the year, so summer and winter plants look different.

How do I make more?

Gently remove the pups that form around the main rosette and pot them on, or leave them in place to spread into a colony.

Can I grow it indoors?

Yes, in a bright position with plenty of light. Water sparingly, because overwatering is the usual cause of loss.