Graptopetalum

Family. Crassulaceae.

Origin. Mexico.

Description. Graptopetalum is a very interesting small succulent with thick, fleshy leaves that form attractive symmetrical rosettes up to 15 cm in diameter. The leaves can be quite varied in color - in all shades of green, with a bluish-silver or pink waxy coating. Often the color of the leaves depends on the conditions. The leaves are triangular or rounded and may have fine bristles at the ends. The flowers are attractive, located on high peduncles, white, pink, salmon, red, sometimes spotted, with 5 petals, star-shaped, up to 2 cm in diameter. Some species may have stems - erect or lodging.

Height. Occasionally reaches a height of 80 cm, but usually much less - up to 15 cm.

Care at home

Reproduction

Propagated by small daughter rosettes that appear on the side of the bush. When using leaf cuttings, the cut leaf should be dried for several days. Keep seedlings in partial shade at a temperature of 20 - 25 ° C.

Flowering time

Spring Summer. 

Diseases and pests

Rotting due to waterlogging.

Among the pests, spider mites, mealybugs and scale insects can pose a certain danger.

Transplant

In the spring, before flowering, adult plants are replanted every 2 to 3 years.

Watering 

In summer, water deeply, but always allow the soil to dry out between waterings and do not allow water to stagnate in the tray. In autumn and winter, water very sparingly, just enough so that the leaves do not wrinkle. 

Containment temperature

This succulent requires cooler temperatures to bloom. Give graptopetalum a winter rest period at 15°C or lower for a month. Otherwise, keep it at normal room temperature. It can withstand short-term frosts down to -5°C if kept in a dry place.

Lighting

Loves sunlight, with light shade on hot summer days. Direct sunlight in the morning and evening is desirable. Adapts well to shade. 

Care

A very undemanding and easy to grow plant. 

Growing soil

Requires gas- and water-permeable soil with good drainage. The ideal substrate is one consisting of garden soil with the addition of perlite, coarse river sand or pumice. Tolerates even very nutrient-poor soils.

Fertilizer

Fertilizer should be applied only once during the growing season, and at half the concentration. 

Spraying

Tolerates dry air from heated rooms and does not require spraying. 

Purpose

A small attractive plant that can be used as a ground cover or grown in hanging baskets. 

Graptopetalum species:

Graptopetalum paraguayense

An evergreen succulent with a basal rosette of triangular, thick, succulent leaves. This subspecies is interesting because the plants turn pinkish-yellow in hot, dry conditions and blue-gray if not kept in such extreme conditions. With age, the plants form thin, tall stems, while the lower leaves die and fall off, and the leaf rosette remains at the tops of the shoots. Peduncles are erect, branched, flowering is inconspicuous. 

Graptopetalum bellum

Synonym - Tacitus (Tacitus bellus). A very attractive symmetrical plant with a rosette of leaves consisting of triangular, dark green, triangular leaves edged with white or pinkish. The peduncles are leafless, vertical, bearing very large, bright pink flowers at the top. 

Graptopetalum amethystinum

Perhaps this subspecies stands apart in the genus Graptopetalum. The main distinctive feature of this plant is its juicy, rounded bluish-violet leaves, collected in rosettes. The plant is very soft and delicate in appearance. The flowers are small, star-shaped, with 5 oblong-triangular petals, two-colored - white in the center, and bright red along the edge. 

Graptopetalum filiferum

In appearance it resembles sempervivum. The leaves are soft green in color, with long tendrils at the tips, collected in symmetrical rosettes. When grown in direct sunlight, the leaves take on a yellowish-pink hue. The peduncles are powerful, tall, and bear at the tops a branched inflorescence with soft pink flowers.

Graptopetalum rusbyi

Among the plants of this subspecies there are very brightly colored specimens. Some leaf rosettes may have a grayish blue or the usual green tint, while others are bright purple. There are plants with pink and orange leaves. Flowering does not give the plant any special charm.