Scientific Name
Graptopetalum pentandrum Moran
Common Names
Five Stamen Graptopetalum
Scientific Classification
Family: Crassulaceae
Subfamily: Sedoideae
Tribe: Sedeae
Subtribe: Sedinae
Genus: Graptopetalum
Description
Graptopetalum pentandrum is a succulent shrublet with rosettes at the ends of strongly woody stems. Rosettes are up to 3.2 inches (8 cm) in diameter, with 12 to 35 leaves. Stems are dull green, branched, first erect, later slightly decumbent and up to 6 inches (15 cm) long. Leaves are up to 2.2 inches (5.5 cm) long, up to 0.8 inch (2 cm) wide, first bluish-green, later yellowish-grey, mostly with a lavender hue. Flowers are with yellowish-white petals, basally with a continuous dark red stripe and upper half almost completly dark red. They appear in late winter to early spring. G. pentandrum is distinguished from all other species by having only 5 stamens as well as long slender inflorescence branches and pedicels.
Photo by Zusung
Hardiness
USDA hardiness zones 9b to 11b: from 25 °F (−3.9 °C) to 50 °F (+10 °C).
How to Grow and Care
The rules for Graptopetalum care are similar to those for most succulents. All require lots of sun to look their best. They require gritty, porous soil with excellent drainage. Water regularly over the summer months, letting the soil dry out between waterings. Minimal water is required over winter. Overwatering is a cause of root rots and the plant can get several pest infestations. Fertilize once during the growing season with a balanced fertilizer diluted to 1/4 strength.
Graptopetalums are generally easy to propagate, by seeds, leaf cuttings or offsets. Any rosette that breaks off has the potential to root and start a new plant. Even a leaf that drops off will root below the parent plant and produce a new rosette quickly. The new plant feeds off the leaf until it shrivels up and falls off. By then the new little plant has rooted and sprouted new leaves.
Learn more at How to Grow and Care for Graptopetalum.
Origin
Graptopetalum pentandrum is native to Mexico.
Links
- Back to genus Graptopetalum
- Succulentopedia: Browse succulents by Scientific Name, Common Name, Genus, Family, USDA Hardiness Zone, Origin, or cacti by Genus
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