XGraptoveria 'Opalina'
×Graptoveria 'Opalina is a robust hybrid succulent in the genus xGraptoveria — an intergeneric cross between Graptopetalum and Echeveria. It forms an open rosette of thick, chunky leaves in soft pastel shades of blue-green flushed with pink, and is prized by collectors for its easy temperament and dreamy, opalescent colouring.
Care follows the parent genus; see xGraptoveria for general guidance.
Description
'Opalina' produces a broad, flattened rosette that can reach around 15 cm (6 in) across when grown well. The leaves are wide, thick and rounded with a gentle point, and carry a pale farina (waxy bloom) that softens their surface to a chalky, matte finish. Colour shifts with light and season: cool blue-green in shade, warming to peachy pink and lavender tones toward the leaf tips under bright light and cooler temperatures.
Like other members of the genus, it can offset from the base and along the stem, slowly forming a small cluster over time. Mature rosettes may send up an arching flower stalk bearing star-shaped blooms in warm apricot and yellow tones typical of Graptopetalum influence.
Cultivation
Grow 'Opalina' as for the parent genus (see xGraptoveria). It wants bright light — a sunny windowsill or, better still, time outdoors in the growing season — to hold its compact form and best colour. In too little light the rosette stretches (etiolation) and the leaves lose their pastel blush and revert to plain green.
Plant it in a fast-draining, gritty mix and water only when the soil has dried out, easing off in winter (see Watering). The waxy farina is easily marked by handling, so lift plants by the stem or pot rather than touching the leaves. 'Opalina' is a forgiving, fast-growing hybrid that tolerates a little more water than most, making it a good choice for newer growers. Protect it from frost.
Propagation
'Opalina' propagates readily by offsets and by leaf cuttings. Gently removed whole leaves laid on dry mix will often root and form plantlets, and beheaded rosettes root easily while the stump produces new offsets. Being a named hybrid, it is reproduced vegetatively to stay true to type rather than from seed. See Propagation — cuttings for general technique.
See also
- xGraptoveria — the genus overview
- Graptopetalum · Echeveria — the parent genera
- Soil and potting mix · Watering · Propagation — leaf cuttings · Propagation — offsets