Tree Houseleek Aeonium 'Night's Watch'
ABOUT
Aeonium 'Night's Watch' is a striking succulent that boasts a rosette formation, reminiscent of artichokes in their layered appearance. Each rosette is comprised of fleshy, spoon-shaped leaves that arrange themselves in a compact, circular pattern emanating from the plant's center. The leaves are a defining feature, characterized by their deep, rich burgundy hue which can appear almost black in certain light conditions. The glossy, smooth surface of the leaves contributes to their dramatic visual impact, enhancing the dark coloration that contrasts sharply with the more common green shades found in gardens. The edges of the leaves are typically outlined with a lighter tone, adding dimension and highlighting the architectural formation of the rosette. These plants have a sculptural quality to them, offering a modern and sophisticated element to any collection or garden display. The overall appearance of Aeonium 'Night's Watch' is bold and robust, with the plant exuding an air of elegance and mystery due to its dark coloring.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Crassulaceae
Synonyms
Tree Houseleek, Aeonium 'Night's Watch'
Common names
Aeonium 'Night's Watch'.
ToxicityTo humans
Aeonium 'Night's Watch' is not known to be toxic to humans. There are no significant toxic effects reported from ingesting this plant.
To pets
Aeonium 'Night's Watch' is generally considered non-toxic to pets as well. If ingested, it is unlikely to cause more than mild gastrointestinal upset, which might include symptoms like vomiting or diarrhea in animals with sensitive stomachs. However, it is always prudent to discourage pets from chewing on any houseplants.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Evergreen
Color of leaves
Dark purple
Flower color
Yellow
Height
2 feet (0.61 meters)
Spread
2 feet (0.61 meters)
Plant type
Succulent
Hardiness zones
9
Native area
Canary Islands
Benefits
General Benefits- Decorative Appearance: Aeonium 'Night's Watch' has a striking appearance with its dark, rosette-shaped foliage, which adds a unique visual contrast to gardens or indoor plant collections.
- Low Maintenance: This plant requires minimal care, making it suitable for gardeners with busy lifestyles or those new to plant care.
- Drought-Tolerant: Being a succulent, Aeonium 'Night's Watch' is tolerant of dry conditions and does not require frequent watering, which is ideal for water-conservation efforts.
- Suitable for Containers: It can be easily grown in pots or containers, allowing it to be a versatile addition to patios, balconies, or indoor settings.
- Attracts Pollinators: The plant can produce flowers that attract bees and other pollinators, benefiting the local ecosystem.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Thematic garden displays: Aeonium 'Night's Watch' can add a dramatic touch to gardens with a darker theme, including gothic or fantasy-inspired landscapes.
- Photography prop: Its unique appearance makes it a great subject for plant photography or as an intriguing backdrop in portrait photography.
- Education: Aeonium 'Night's Watch' can be used as a teaching specimen in horticulture classes due to its distinct characteristics and care requirements.
- Artistic inspiration: Artists may use the plant as inspiration for paintings, drawings, or other forms of visual art due to its striking form and color.
- Craft projects: The rosettes could be used as natural adornments in wreaths or dried flower arrangements.
- Collector's items: Succulent collectors often seek unique varieties like Aeonium 'Night's Watch' to add to their diverse collections.
- Wedding decor: This plant can be incorporated into bouquets or table decorations for a wedding that has a unique, dark, or rustic theme.
- Color contrast in succulent arrangements: The dark hues can provide a sharp contrast against lighter-colored succulents in mixed plantings.
- Fashion accessories: Small rosettes may be used as live embellishments for eco-friendly jewelry or hair accessories.
- Seasonal decorating: Its dark appearance can make for a suitable addition to decorations during Halloween or other occasions that call for a moodier atmosphere.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Aeonium is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Aeonium is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Resilience and Adaptability: Aeoniums, including the 'Night's Watch', are known for their succulent nature which allows them to store water and endure long periods without it. This symbolizes the ability to adapt and thrive even in challenging conditions.
- Endurance and Perseverance: The plant’s ability to survive in rocky, arid environments represents enduring through hard times and maintaining perseverance despite difficulties.
- Eternal Life: Some cultures may associate the Aeonium's rosette pattern as a symbol for eternity, as the rosette shape can resemble a never-ending spiral.
- Unique Beauty: The dark, almost black leaves of the 'Night's Watch' contrast sharply with its green counterparts, symbolizing the beauty and elegance that can be found in uniqueness and standing out from the crowd.
WaterThe Aeonium 'Zwartkop', commonly known as Black Rose or Black Tree Aeonium, should be watered once the top inch of the soil has dried out, typically every 7 to 10 days during the growing season; in winter, watering can be reduced. Use a watering can or hose to gently soak the soil around the plant until the water begins to drain from the bottom of the pot, which usually amounts to around 8-16 ounces depending on the pot size. During the hot summer months, you may need to water the plant more frequently. Always avoid letting the plant sit in water as this can lead to root rot.
LightThe Black Rose Aeonium thrives in bright, indirect sunlight or partial shade. It is perfect for a spot that receives a few hours of morning sunlight but is protected from the harsh afternoon sun, which can scorch its leaves. An east- or west-facing window or a lightly shaded spot outdoors where it gets protection from the intense midday sun are ideal locations for this plant.
TemperatureThe Black Rose Aeonium prefers a temperature range between 40 to 100 degrees Fahrenheit, with the optimal growth temperature range being 65 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit. It can tolerate brief periods of cold down to 40 degrees but should be protected from frost, which can damage the plant.
PruningPruning the Black Rose Aeonium is necessary to maintain its shape, remove any damaged leaves, and encourage a more compact, bushier growth. It's best to prune this plant in the spring or early summer. You can remove leggy stems and spent flowers as needed, usually every one to two years, to promote healthier growth and to keep the plant looking tidy.
CleaningAs needed
SoilThe optimal soil mix for Aeonium 'Black Rose' should be well-draining, with a mix of potting soil, coarse sand, and perlite or pumice. The pH should be mildly acidic to neutral, around 6.0 to 7.0.
RepottingAeonium 'Black Rose' should be repotted every two to three years or when it outgrows its current pot, usually in spring or early summer.
Humidity & MistingAeonium 'Black Rose' thrives in average room humidity conditions; extremes are not necessary, as they prefer a dry climate.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Provide bright light, well-draining soil, and minimal water.
Outdoor
Needs full to partial sun, well-drained soil, and infrequent watering.
Hardiness zone
9-11 USDA
Life cycleAeonium 'Night's Watch', commonly known as Night's Watch Aeonium, begins its life cycle when a seed germinates in well-draining soil and adequate warmth. The seedling stage follows, characterized by the emergence of a rosette of leaves as the plant establishes a root system. The vegetative stage involves extensive growth of succulent leaves and stems, with the plant's rosette becoming more pronounced and possibly producing offshoots. As the plant matures, it enters a pre-reproductive stage where it builds up reserves to support flowering. The reproductive stage arrives when the plant develops a flowering stalk, with yellowish flowers that attract pollinators, after which the parent plant typically dies. Seeds are then dispersed from the spent flowers, potentially giving rise to new plants, thereby completing the life cycle.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
Propogation: The most popular method of propagation for Aeonium 'Night's Watch', a succulent, is through cuttings. Typically, the best time to propagate is during the plant's active growing season, which for Aeoniums is mainly in the spring or fall. To propagate, select a healthy leaf or a stem with several leaves and use a clean, sharp knife or scissors to take a cutting. It's essential to let the cutting dry out for a few days to form a callus over the cut area, which helps prevent rot when planted. Next, place the callus-end of the cutting into a well-draining cactus or succulent potting mix, barely covering the cut end with soil. Water sparingly until roots develop, which usually takes a few weeks, and then care for the young plant as you would a mature Aeonium 'Night's Watch'.
