Scientific Name
Graptopetalum 'Purple Delight'
Synonym(s)
Graptopetalum 'Blanche-Neige', Graptopetalum 'Snow White', ×Graptoveria 'Crystal'
Scientific Classification
Family: Crassulaceae
Subfamily: Sedoideae
Tribe: Sedeae
Subtribe: Sedinae
Genus: Graptopetalum
Origin
Graptopetalum 'Purple Delight' is a hybrid that results from a cross between Graptopetalum amethystinum and Graptopetalum paraguayense.
Description
Graptopetalum 'Purple Delight', also known as Graptopetalum 'Snow White', is an elegant succulent with pale green leaves covered with a frostlike bloom, often beautifully mottled, and clustered in rosettes at the end of bare stems. It grows up to 6 inches (15 cm) tall, branching at the base. The stems are up to 10 inches (25 cm) long and 0.5 inches (1.3 cm) in diameter, at first erect, later decumbent but somewhat upright at the top, and often with aerial roots. The rosettes can reach 4 inches (10 cm) in diameter. Leaves range in color from deep lilac and light pink-red to frosty white, depending on the season and conditions in which the plant is grown. They are up to 2.2 inches (5.5 cm) long, up to 0.8 inches (2 cm) wide, and up to 0.4 inches (1 cm) thick.
The flowers are star-shaped, 5-merous, and have white petals with some red dots, different from flower to flower. They appear in clusters on usually simple stalks that arise near the stem tips and reach up to 0.8 inches (20 cm) in length in spring.
How to Grow and Care for Graptopetalum 'Purple Delight'
Light: G. 'Purple Delight' 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. 'Purple Delight' 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. 'Purple Delight' 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 down 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. 'Purple Delight' 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. 'Purple Delight' 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 'Purple Delight'
G. 'Purple Delight' is generally non-toxic to humans and animals.
Forms of Graptopetalum 'Purple Delight'
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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