Troubleshooting
Sempervivum 'Black' problems — and how to fix them
Sempervivum 'Black' (Sempervivum 'Black') is generally forgiving once you match its basics, but a few issues come up again and again. Here is what each one looks like, why it happens, and the fix.
Colour reverting to green
Too little light. The dark, near-black pigment is sun- and cold-driven and fades fast in low light or warmth.
Crown and root rot
Overwatering or poor drainage. Use gritty soil, water at the base, and let it dry fully between waterings.
Parent rosette flowering then dying
Natural monocarpic behaviour. Cut out the spent rosette; offsets carry the colony on.
Etiolation in pots indoors
Stretched, pale rosettes from insufficient sun. Move outdoors or to the brightest window.
Prevent sempervivum 'black' problems before they start
Most sempervivum 'black' issues are care-mismatch, not bad luck. Dial in the basics:
Looking for sempervivum 'black' in general rather than its problems? Read the full sempervivum 'black' care guide — light, water, soil and feeding.
Sempervivum 'Black' problems — FAQ
Why is my sempervivum 'black' colour reverting to green?
Too little light. The dark, near-black pigment is sun- and cold-driven and fades fast in low light or warmth.
Why is my sempervivum 'black' crown and root rot?
Overwatering or poor drainage. Use gritty soil, water at the base, and let it dry fully between waterings.
Why is my sempervivum 'black' parent rosette flowering then dying?
Natural monocarpic behaviour. Cut out the spent rosette; offsets carry the colony on.
Why is my sempervivum 'black' etiolation in pots indoors?
Stretched, pale rosettes from insufficient sun. Move outdoors or to the brightest window.