Graptopetalum pentandrum
| Light | Bright light to gentle full sun; needs plenty of light to hold its colour and tight form |
|---|---|
| Water | Moderate for a succulent; water when the soil has dried, then let it dry again; ease off in winter |
| Soil | Fast-draining gritty mix (see Soil and potting mix) |
| Temperature | Keep above freezing; happiest in USDA zones 9b–11 |
| Propagation | Leaf cuttings, stem cuttings and offsets (see Propagation — cuttings, Propagation — offsets) |
| Toxicity | Generally regarded as non-toxic to cats and dogs |
Graptopetalum pentandrum is a soft, mat-forming succulent in the family Crassulaceae, grown for its flat, spatula-shaped leaves of dusty grey-lilac that carry a faint metallic sheen. The leaves are arranged in loose, open rosettes atop short stems, and as the plant ages those stems lengthen and lean, giving established clumps a sprawling, semi-trailing habit. It belongs to the largely Mexican genus Graptopetalum, the so-called ghost plants or leatherpetals, and is a popular, easygoing choice for containers and rock gardens.
Description
Graptopetalum pentandrum forms rosettes of broad, flattened leaves that taper to a narrow base, rather like a padded spoon or spatula. The colour is its main draw: a soft grey through lavender and pinkish-lilac, overlaid with a subtle pearly or metallic lustre that shifts with the light and with the season. A light powdery bloom (farina) coats the leaves, so the surface is easily marked by handling.
Rosettes sit on short, thickening stems that elongate over time, so older plants tend to stretch and offset into loose, spreading clusters rather than staying as neat solitary rosettes. In the growing season the plant sends up slender branched stalks bearing small star-shaped flowers, pale yellow and marked with red toward the petal tips. Unusually for the genus these flowers carry only five stamens rather than the ten of most Graptopetalum species — the feature that gives the plant its name (pentandrum, 'five-stamened').
Distribution and habitat
Like most of the genus, Graptopetalum pentandrum is native to Mexico, where plants of this group grow on rocky outcrops, cliffs and slopes in gritty, sharply drained ground. In such spots the roots stay dry and airy, and the plants take bright but often filtered light and occasional seasonal rain — conditions worth keeping in mind when growing them in a pot.
Cultivation
This is a forgiving, beginner-friendly succulent that asks mainly for light and drainage. Grow it in a gritty, fast-draining mix and give it as much bright light as you can — plenty of sun keeps the rosettes compact and brings out the lilac and metallic tones, while too little light causes the plant to stretch, pale and lose its colour. A little protection from the most brutal afternoon sun helps in very hot climates, and new plants are best eased into strong sun gradually to avoid scorch.
Water when the soil has fully dried, then water thoroughly and let it dry again; reduce watering through the cooler, darker months when growth slows. As with most Crassulaceae, the quickest way to lose a plant is a wet, airless mix, so err on the dry side. The powdery bloom on the leaves is delicate — handle plants by the stem or pot where you can. See Watering and Repotting for general technique.
Because the stems lengthen and lean with age, many growers periodically behead and re-root the rosettes to keep clumps tidy, using the trimmings to make more plants.
Propagation
Graptopetalum species propagate very easily, which is part of their charm. Individual leaves detached cleanly from the stem will often root and produce a tiny new rosette at the base; stem cuttings and beheaded rosettes root readily once the cut has callused; and established plants throw offsets that can simply be separated and potted on. Let any cutting or leaf callus for a day or two before setting it on a barely-moist gritty surface. See Propagation — cuttings, Propagation — offsets and, for leaf propagation of Graptopetalum, the general succulent guides.
Common problems
- Etiolation — the commonest complaint; in too little light the rosettes stretch, gap open and fade, losing their tight form and lilac colour.
- Rot — from overwatering or a slow-draining mix, especially in cool weather; stems and lower leaves go soft and translucent.
- Marked bloom — the powdery farina rubs off permanently where leaves are touched, leaving fingerprints; harmless but visible.
- Pests — mealybugs (white fluff tucked into the rosette and roots) and occasionally aphids on the flower stalks are the usual offenders. See Pests and diseases.
See also
- Graptopetalum — the genus overview
- Soil and potting mix · Watering · Propagation — cuttings · Propagation — offsets · Repotting · Pests and diseases