Graptopetalum mendozae
| Light | Bright light to gentle full sun; good colour needs plenty of light |
|---|---|
| Water | Sparingly; let the soil dry out completely between waterings, drier in winter |
| Soil | Fast-draining gritty mineral mix (see Soil and potting mix) |
| Temperature | Keep above freezing; roughly USDA zones 9b–11 |
| Propagation | Very easily from leaves, offsets and cuttings |
| Toxicity | Generally considered non-toxic to cats and dogs |
Graptopetalum mendozae is a tiny, freely clustering succulent from Mexico that forms low clumps of small rosettes in soft shades of pink, cream and pearly grey on slender, sprawling stems. Its diminutive size and gentle pastel colouring have made it a favourite for dish arrangements, small hanging pots and the edges of mixed succulent plantings, where it spills and multiplies happily. Like other members of Graptopetalum, it is an undemanding, quick-growing plant that is ideal for beginners.
Description
Graptopetalum mendozae produces small, tight rosettes usually only 2–4 cm across, made up of plump, rounded leaves that come to a soft point. The leaves carry a delicate farina (a natural waxy bloom) that softens their colour to a chalky pastel; depending on light and temperature they shade from a pale, pearly grey to a pretty blush pink, deepening towards the leaf tips in bright, cool conditions.
The plant branches and offsets enthusiastically, producing new rosettes at the tips of slender stems that begin upright but soon sprawl sideways or hang down, so that older plants spill over the edge of a pot. In spring and summer it is very free-flowering, lifting small, star-shaped white flowers in branched clusters on slender stalks above the foliage. Because the rosettes are so small and so numerous, a well-grown plant becomes a tumbling mass of many little rosettes rather than a single tidy clump.
Distribution and habitat
The species is native to eastern Mexico, where it is a narrow endemic of northern Veracruz, known from only a few old volcanic plugs (rocky outcrops) a short way inland from the Gulf coast at low elevations of roughly 100–200 m. On these rocks its slender stems sprawl across the surface and hang from ledges and cliff faces, rooting into crevices and pockets of mineral grit while enjoying strong light, excellent drainage and long dry spells.
Cultivation
Graptopetalum mendozae is easy-going and forgiving, which is much of its charm. Grow it in a fast-draining, mostly mineral mix and give it as much light as you can — bright light or gentle full sun brings out the pink tones, while too little light makes the rosettes stretch, pale and lose their tidy shape. Water thoroughly only once the soil has dried out completely, then leave it be; keep it much drier through the cool, dark months to avoid rot.
The rosettes are small and the leaves detach easily, so handle plants gently and site them where they will not be constantly brushed. Its low, trailing habit makes it well suited to shallow bowls, the front edge of arrangements and small hanging pots, where the sprawling stems can spill over the rim. See Watering and Repotting for general technique.
Propagation
Few succulents are easier to increase. Individual leaves laid on top of a barely-moist mineral mix will readily form roots and a tiny new rosette at the base; the abundant offsets can simply be detached and rooted; and stem cuttings root quickly as well. Because the plant clusters so freely, dividing an overgrown clump is often the simplest approach. See Propagation — leaves, Propagation — offsets and Propagation — cuttings for full walkthroughs.
Common problems
- Rot — the usual cause of loss, almost always from overwatering or a slow-draining mix, especially in winter; rosettes go soft and translucent.
- Etiolation — in too little light the rosettes stretch, pale and open up, losing their compact form and pink colour.
- Pests — mealybugs (white fluff nestled between the crowded leaves and rosettes) are the most likely trouble; check the dense clusters regularly. See Pests and diseases.
- Leaf drop — the small leaves knock off easily when handled, though most will happily strike as new plants.
See also
- Graptopetalum — the genus overview
- Graptoveria — hybrids of Graptopetalum with Echeveria
- Soil and potting mix · Watering · Propagation — leaves · Propagation — offsets