Scientific Name
Graptopetalum 'Claret'
Synonym(s)
×Graptoveria 'Pik Ruz'
Scientific Classification
Family: Crassulaceae
Subfamily: Sedoideae
Tribe: Sedeae
Subtribe: Sedinae
Genus: Graptopetalum
Origin
Graptopetalum 'Claret' is a hybrid that results from a cross, possibly between Graptopetalum amethystinum and Graptopetalum rusbyi.
Description
Graptopetalum 'Claret' is a gorgeous, small succulent with branched stems and colorful, rhombic leaves covered with a whitish bloom and clustered in rosettes at the end of the branches. It can grow up to 10 inches (25 cm) tall, branching from the base. The stems are erect to decumbent or pendent. The leaves are initially rose-colored, later grey-green or beige. Full sun and drought make the leaves show the color of red wine, hence the name "Claret."
The flowers are star-shaped, 5-merous, white with dark red markings, and appear in clusters on simple leafy stalks in spring or summer.
Graptopetalum 'Claret' is distributed in Korea as ×Graptoveria 'Pik Ruz'. However, as the flowers show, this is not an intergeneric hybrid between Graptopetalum and Echeveria but an interspecific hybrid of two Graptopetalum species.
How to Grow and Care for Graptopetalum 'Claret'
Light: G. 'Claret' thrives in sunlight, so choose a location where it will receive full sun. However, it will also grow in partial shade with slightly rangy results. Therefore, keep it near a sunny window when grown as a houseplant.
Soil: The plant needs good drainage to maintain a healthy root system. When growing G. 'Claret' in a pot, choose a well-drained soil mix and a pot with drainage holes.
Temperature: This plant will do well in hot weather, but its most active growth will occur in spring and fall. G. 'Claret' can withstand temperatures as low as 30 °F (-1.1 °C). USDA Plant Hardiness Zones 10a to 11b, 30 to 50 °F (-1.1 to 10 °C).
Watering: The plant growing outdoors in full sun will appreciate a weekly watering in summer. Cut back on watering to about every 10 to 14 days when the weather cools in spring and fall. Rather than giving the potted plant little splashes of water here and there, give it a good soaking until water runs out the drainage holes, then wait for the soil to dry out completely before watering again. In winter, water the plant just enough to keep it from shriveling.
Fertilizing: Apply fertilizer to promote healthy growth, including flower production. Fertilize during the active growing season. A water-soluble fertilizer diluted to half the recommended strength is suitable and commonly used.
Repotting: G. 'Claret' does not need frequent repotting. When your plant has outgrown its container, repot it in a fresh potting mix in a new pot slightly larger than the old one. Give the plant a week or so to readjust before you water it.
Propagation: The easiest way to propagate G. 'Claret' is through stem cuttings. However, it also easily propagates from leaf cuttings. Even a leaf that drops off will root below the parent plant and produce a new rosette quickly. The best time to take cuttings is spring and summer.
Learn more at How to Grow and Care for Graptopetalum.
Toxicity of Graptopetalum 'Claret'
G. 'Claret' is generally non-toxic to humans and animals.
Links
- Back to genus Graptopetalum
- Succupedia: Browse succulents by Scientific Name, Common Name, Genus, Family, USDA Hardiness Zone, Origin, or cacti by Genus
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