Origin
Derived from a mutation of Aeonium ‘Ink Painting’, itself regarded as a mutation of Aeonium ‘Mardi Gras’. ‘Scarlett Ink’ therefore belongs to one of the richest modern mutation lineages associated with ‘Mardi Gras’.
Known names
Scarlett Ink — retained Western name; Scarlet Ink; Fairy Ink; Ink Fairy; Bright Ink; Feimo; Xianmo; 绯墨 / 緋墨; 仙墨; 绯墨法师 / 緋墨法師; 仙墨法师 / 仙墨法師; 仙墨法师锦. The earliest documented Chinese name is 仙墨 (Xianmo); it was later replaced by 绯墨 (Feimo).
Creation date / Creator
The mutation was discovered by 连云港九九 (Lianyungang Jiujiu), a Chinese collector or grower probably based in Lianyungang, Jiangsu. It was named 仙墨 (Xianmo) in 2018, then renamed 绯墨 (Feimo). A Chinese publication dated 19 April 2019 confirms that it was in circulation by 2019.
History and origin
‘Scarlett Ink’ belongs to a genuine sequence of mutations stemming from ‘Mardi Gras’. ‘Ink Painting’ has produced numerous cultivars, including ‘Danqing’, ‘History’, ‘Poison’, ‘Green Wave’, ‘Ink Painting Black’ and ‘Pink Ink’. ‘Scarlett Ink’ is an important link in this lineage and appears to have given rise to further mutations, notably ‘Poison’.
Botanical description
This shrub-form variegated Aeonium produces branched stems with medium-sized rosettes. Growth is generally moderate and offset production rather limited. In winter, the leaves commonly show a narrow green central band, cream-white to pale-yellow lateral areas and a fine pink margin.
A spectacular transformation in strong light
As light increases, the pink margins turn red and the colour gradually spreads across the lateral areas. Under bright conditions, intense red may cover much of the foliage, contrasting dramatically with the green-and-cream centre. Colour depends on light, temperature, season and water status.
A rosette that usually retains a lighter centre
Even when the outer leaves become intensely red, the centre generally retains more green and cream. This creates the painted appearance that indirectly recalls the name ‘Ink Painting’.
Colour closely linked to cultivation conditions
Low light keeps the plant greener and paler; brighter light encourages red pigmentation. Acclimatise it gradually when moving from shade to strong sun to reduce the risk of leaf scorch.
A cultivar regarded as relatively delicate
‘Scarlett Ink’ is considered one of the more delicate and potentially unstable forms in the ‘Mardi Gras’ lineage. Pay particular attention during extreme heat, persistent humidity, periods of low root activity and sudden exposure to strong sunlight. Frost is also a major risk.
A plant that may flower readily
‘Scarlett Ink’, ‘Poison’ and ‘Ink Painting’ are among the variegated Aeoniums reported to flower relatively readily. Each flowering rosette is monocarpic and dies after flowering, although other branches can continue growing.
Growth and offset production
Growth is moderate and offset production is low to moderate, making propagation slower than in highly prolific cultivars.
An important collector lineage
The sequence ‘Mardi Gras’ → ‘Ink Painting’ → ‘Scarlett Ink’ illustrates how traits are transmitted and modified through successive mutations. The association with cultivars such as ‘Poison’ makes this lineage especially interesting to study.
‘Scarlett Ink’ and ‘Poison’
‘Poison’ is presented as a mutation of ‘Scarlett Ink’. It nevertheless has distinct traits, notably leaves that can become strongly wavy and curled in summer, and should not be treated as merely a seasonal form of the same cultivar.
A spectacular Aeonium that requires attention
Its seasonal shift from green and cream to pink and intense red is its main attraction. Moderate growth, limited offsets, some fragility and a tendency to flower readily mean that it deserves careful cultivation.
WINTER PHOTOS
SUMMER PHOTOS
DIFFERENT MUTATIONS OF ‘SCARLETT INK‘
FAIRY INK (仙墨)
Other names: Fairy Ink, Bright Ink, 仙墨
A form very close to ‘Scarlett Ink’ (more information to come)
GREEN SCARLETT INK
A form close to ‘Scarlett Ink’ that remains much greener.
POISON
Other names: 毒药, Immortal Ink, Zhouyexian
A mutation of ‘Scarlett Ink’, discovered in October 2020. Unlike ‘Scarlett Ink’, it has curled leaves.
SUPER WAVE INK
The leaves are curled… Is this Aeonium ‘Poison’, or a mutation of ‘Poison’?
CONTINUE EXPLORING
