XGraptosedum 'Vera Higgins'
xGraptosedum 'Vera Higgins is an old, easy-growing intergeneric hybrid in the family Crassulaceae, grown for its pointed leaves that flush a warm bronze-purple in good light. A member of the hybrid genus xGraptosedum (a cross between Graptopetalum and Sedum), it is one of the most forgiving of the group and is still widely traded under the alternative name Bronze.
Care follows the parent groups; see xGraptosedum for general cultivation of these Graptopetalum × Sedum hybrids.
Description
'Vera Higgins' forms low, spreading rosettes of fleshy, pointed leaves on stems that lengthen and trail or sprawl as the plant ages. The leaves are smooth and slightly waxy, colouring from a muted grey-green in shade to a rich coppery bronze-purple in bright light and cool conditions — the trait that gives the plant its 'Bronze' trade name. As stems elongate they readily branch and root where they touch soil, so a single plant soon becomes a loose, mounding cluster. Small, star-shaped flowers appear on short stalks, typically in the cooler part of the growing season.
Like other members of the genus, the colour is highly responsive to growing conditions: plants kept dim and well-fed revert toward plain green, while those grown hard and bright develop the deepest bronze tones.
Cultivation
Grow 'Vera Higgins' as for the parent groups (see xGraptosedum). It wants bright light — the brighter the position, the stronger the bronze colouring — and a fast-draining, mostly mineral mix. Water thoroughly once the soil has dried, then allow it to dry again; like most Crassulaceae it stores water in its leaves and rots quickly if kept wet. Keep it on the dry side and frost-free through winter.
This is one of the easiest succulents to keep, tolerant of neglect and quick to recover from a leggy, stretched season if cut back and grown on in more light. See Watering and Repotting for general technique.
Because the trailing stems root so easily, 'Vera Higgins' is straightforward to renew: behead a stretched rosette, let the cut dry, and re-root it, or simply pot up the offsets and rooted side-shoots. Both stem cuttings and individual leaves strike readily — see Propagation — cuttings and Propagation — offsets.
See also
- xGraptosedum — the hybrid genus overview
- Graptopetalum · Sedum — the parent genera
- Propagation — cuttings · Propagation — offsets · Soil and potting mix · Watering