Graptopetalum 'Purple Delight Variegatum' is a small succulent with a stunning form and colors that vary depending on the season and growing conditions.
Scientific Name
Graptopetalum 'Purple Delight Variegatum'
Accepted Scientific Name
Graptopetalum 'Purple Delight'
Synonym(s)
Graptopetalum 'Snow White Variegatum'
Scientific Classification
Family: Crassulaceae
Subfamily: Sedoideae
Tribe: Sedeae
Subtribe: Sedinae
Genus: Graptopetalum
Origin
Graptopetalum 'Purple Delight Variegatum' is a form of Graptopetalum 'Purple Delight' selected for its variegated foliage.
Description
Graptopetalum 'Purple Delight Variegatum', also known as Graptopetalum 'Snow White Variegatum', is an attractive succulent with variegated leaves clustered in dense rosettes at the end of bare stems. It can grow up to 6 inches (15 cm) tall, branching at the base, with stems that are at first erect, becoming decumbent with age. The rosettes can reach 4 inches (10 cm) in diameter. Leaves are pale green, light pinkish-red, or deep lilac, adorned with irregular, yellow to cream-colored markings, and covered with a thick layer of frost-like bloom.
The small star-shaped flowers appear in clusters on usually simple, up to 0.8 inches (20 cm) long stalks that arise near the stem tip in spring. They have five white petals with some red dots, different from flower to flower.
How to Grow and Care for Graptopetalum 'Purple Delight Variegatum'
Light: If you want your Graptopetalum 'Purple Delight Variegatum' to thrive, make sure it gets plenty of sunlight. However, it can also tolerate partial shade but may look slightly rangy. Therefore, when growing indoors, it is best to keep it near a sunny window.
Soil: Good drainage is most important for a healthy plant, so when growing it in a container, choose well-draining soil and a container with drainage holes.
Temperature: Graptopetalum 'Purple Delight Variegatum' prefers cooler temperatures but is not a cold-hardy plant. Its primary growth occurs during spring and fall while slowing considerably during winter. It grows best in USDA Plant Hardiness Zones 10a to 11b, with average minimum winter temperatures ranging from 30 to 50 °F (-1.1 to 10 °C).
Watering: Instead of giving the plant little splashes of water here and there, soak the soil until water runs out of the drainage holes. After that, wait for the soil to dry out completely before watering again. Water the plant sparingly during the winter, only enough to keep it from shriveling.
Fertilizing: During the growing season, apply a water-soluble fertilizer diluted to half the recommended strength to promote healthy growth and flower production.
Repotting: Graptopetalum 'Purple Delight Variegatum' does not require frequent repotting, but when it has outgrown its container, repot it in a new pot slightly larger than the old one. After that, give the plant at least a week to readjust before watering.
Propagation: The easiest way to get a good-sized new plant is by taking stem cuttings. While it is also easy to propagate by leaves, they usually do not result in variegated plants. Spring and summer are the best time to take cuttings.
Learn more at How to Grow and Care for Graptopetalum.
Toxicity of Graptopetalum 'Purple Delight Variegatum'
Graptopetalum 'Purple Delight Variegatum' is considered non-toxic, so it is a safe plant for growing around pets and children.
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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