Origin:
Derived from a mutation of Aeonium ‘Black King Kong‘, itself a mutation of Aeonium ‘Mardi Gras‘.
A Chinese horticultural source nevertheless describes it as a mutation of Aeonium ‘Black King Kong‘ (‘Hei Jingang‘ — 黑金刚) in 2023.
Known names:
‘Watermelon Taro‘, ‘Fireworks‘, ‘Melon Taro‘, 西瓜太郎 and 烟花. The name ‘Watermelon Taro‘ probably results from an approximate transliteration of 西瓜太郎, which more accurately means “Watermelon Tarō” or “watermelon boy”. The names ‘Spark‘ and especially ‘Dragon Fly‘ are not sufficiently documented to be retained as confirmed synonyms.
Creation / commercialization date:
Commercialized in China from around 2021.
Botanical description
Aeonium ‘Watermelon Taro‘ is a compact, shrubby variegated Aeonium that develops relatively short branches topped with fleshy rosettes.
Its foliage consists of relatively broad leaves whose coloration and variegation pattern change considerably depending on light levels.
In winter, when light levels are low, the rosette generally displays:
- a broad green central band, which may cover a very large part of the leaf blade;
- two narrow cream-white lateral bands;
- relatively subtle variegation;
- predominantly green leaves when the plant is grown in low light.
A spectacular transformation in brighter light
This is probably the most remarkable characteristic of ‘Watermelon Taro‘.
As the days lengthen and light levels increase, the two lateral bands gradually begin to develop color.
The cream-white areas then shift towards pink and later vivid red tones, while the broad green central zone gradually becomes much darker.
In intense light, the center of the leaves may turn very dark green, brownish and then almost black.
The intense red margins contrasting with the dark center give the plant a particularly spectacular appearance.
It is this combination of deep red and black that makes this cultivar so distinctive.
An Aeonium that truly changes with the seasons
Unlike some variegated Aeoniums whose appearance remains relatively stable throughout the year, ‘Watermelon Taro‘ displays particularly pronounced seasonal changes.
The following progression can generally be observed:
Winter → predominantly green foliage, cream margins and relatively low contrast.
Spring → pink and red gradually appear along the margins.
Late spring → increasingly intense red tones and a darkening center.
Early summer → maximum contrast between the red margins and the almost black center.
This makes the plant particularly interesting to photograph at different times of the year: winter and summer photographs may appear to show two different Aeoniums.
Why the name “Watermelon Taro”?
The exact origin of the Chinese trade names still requires further documentation.
The name 西瓜太郎 (Xīguā Tàiláng) can literally be translated as “Watermelon Tarō”, while 烟花 (Yānhuā) notably means “fireworks”.
The latter name is especially evocative when the plant is seen at its best: red, green and black colors gradually emerge and give the rosette an almost explosive appearance.
The name ‘Fireworks‘, used in international trade, also seems to be directly associated with this Chinese designation.
A compact cultivar
‘Watermelon Taro‘ is not one of the giant variegated Aeoniums.
It instead forms a small, compact shrub with terminal rosettes and relatively short branches. This architecture showcases the foliage’s changing colors particularly well.
This silhouette is also well suited to pot cultivation, where the plant can gradually form a clump composed of several rosettes.
Growth and branching ability
Initial observations indicate fairly rapid growth for a variegated Aeonium.
Its ability to produce branches appears more moderate, however, with an average tendency to form offsets.
As with other Aeoniums, its growth is nevertheless strongly influenced by temperature.
The most active growth period generally occurs during the temperate seasons, especially autumn, winter and spring, while intense summer heat may cause a marked slowdown or a period of dormancy.
What exposure does ‘Watermelon Taro‘ need?
Light is essential for developing the cultivar’s characteristic colors.
Insufficient light tends to keep the plant in green and cream tones, with much less spectacular variegation.
Conversely, strong light encourages the appearance of red and very dark tones.
In regions with very hot summers, a bright position with protection from scorching afternoon sun may therefore offer the best compromise.
Limited cold hardiness
Like most Aeoniums, ‘Watermelon Taro‘ does not tolerate frost.
It prefers mild temperatures and must be protected when temperatures become too low.
It therefore needs particular protection from winter frost, even though its main growth period occurs during the cooler months.
WINTER PHOTOS
SUMMER PHOTOS
EXAMPLE OF WATERMELON TARO’S SEASONAL CHANGES
CONTINUE EXPLORING
