Graptopetalum plants: How to grow and care for Graptopetalum succulents?

Graptopetalum - plants bank
cto kvitne_vse

Graptopetalum is a genus of perennial small succulents native to Mexico and Arizona, belonging to the Crassulaceae family. This genus has about twenty species of wonderful succulent plants. Most species have dense and compact rosettes of thick and fleshy leaves. Furthermore, these leaves may vary in color from silver-grey to pink to waxy-green. In addition to their attractive shape, ghost plants are among the easiest plants to grow and to care for. 

Find out in this article how to grow and care for these beautiful succulent plants! But lets firstly discover the popular Graptopetalum species. 

Popular Graptopetalum types 

1- Graptopetalum paraguayense

Graptopetalum paraguayense - plants bank
cto terapia_dasplantas

Graptopetalum paraguayense, named also as Ghost Plant, is a perennial succulent of the Crassulaceae family. This species is known by trailing rosettes of light grey foliage with pink undertones that can turn yellow-pink in full sun. Also, this Ghost plant succulent blooms in early spring in small, star-shaped, yellow flowers. This great houseplant is perfect for hanging pots. 

2- Graptopetalum mendozae

Graptopetalum mendozae - plants bank
cto amoreschiquitos12

Graptopetalum mendozae is a hardy succulent that produces rosettes of fleshy, pale green, rounded leaves that turn darker in summer light levels. from March to April, this species produces small, star-shaped, white flowers. Moreover, this species is doing well in the shade and can be a great groundcover. 

3- Graptopetalum bellum

Graptopetalum Bellum - plants bank
cto solnechnyi_dvorik

Graptopetalum bellum, known also as Sedum bellum or Tacitus bellus, is a perennial, succulent plant named commonly Chihuahua Flower. This species has a horizontal flat rosette of oval, grey-green leaves with reddish-brown nuances. From May to June, this beautiful houseplant produces deep pink, star-shaped flowers which appear on the top of a branched inflorescence. Indeed, these flowers are possibly the largest flowered member in the Crassulaceae family.

4- Graptopetalum amethystinum

Graptopetalum amethystinum - plants bank
cto yvonne_beautifulpots

Graptopetalum amethystinum, named commonly Lavender Pebbles or Jewel Leaf plant, is a perennial succulent native to west-central Mexico and the United States. This attractive indoor plant that looks like moon rocks has fleshy, rounded leaves with lovely shades of lavender, pink, and green. Also, the leaves have a powdery coating that adds to the eerie, moon rock look. The produced flowers of this species are yellowish and have red lines inside their petals.

How to grow Graptopetalum plants?

Graptopetallums are among the easiest and quickest succulents to propagate. Their propagation can be done by seeds, leaf cuttings, stem cuttings or offsets. It’s up to you to choose what suits you best. The particularity of these plants if that any part that drops off (rosette, leaf) will root and start a new plant. 

  • Cut off leaf, stem or rosette and plant it in a well-draining soil mixture.
  • Put the cuttings if a shady area and water regularly. 
  • Once the leaves start getting roots, spray more quantity of water frequently and pot the plant in a new growing container
Graptopetalum - plants bank
cto plantcetera

How to care for Graptopetalum plants?

Light

You can put your plants in full sun if the winters in your region are not very hard. Otherwise, you can grow them outdoors from early spring to mid-autumn, or in a very bright position all year round because the best color is obtained in full sun. 

Water

Like all succulents, Graptopetallums need moderate water. So, always water regularly but moderately and let the soil dry between two waterings. Otherwise, minimal water is required during winter. 

Soil

Use potting mixture for succulents and cacti, ensuring the soil has excellent drainage and holding the moisture that the plant requires at the same time.

Temperature

Graptopetalum plants are resistant to high heat, but the minimum temperature for wintering must be between 5 and 10 ° C.

Fertilizer

Fertilize, in early spring, during the growing season once every 15-20 days using a specific fertilizer for succulent.

Pets and diseases

Graptopetallum can sometimes be attractive to mealybugs. If you notice their signs spray with an organic insecticide as soon as possible.

Also, too much water can induce root rot and can kill the plant, so water moderately

Pruning

No pruning required

Did you find this helpful? Share it with your friends! 

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Back to top button