Graptopetalum 'Purple Haze'

Scientific Name

Graptopetalum 'Purple Haze'

Scientific Classification

Family: Crassulaceae
Subfamily: Sedoideae
Tribe: Sedeae
Subtribe: Sedinae
Genus: Graptopetalum

Description

Graptopetalum 'Purple Haze' is a gorgeous clump-forming succulent with sprawling stems with rosettes of plump leaves at the end. The rosettes grow up to 4 inches (10 cm) in diameter. Leaves are glaucous grey with raspberry blotches in winter. Sometimes flowers are not much different from Graptopetalum paraguayense, but while G. paraguayense may have white flowers almost without flecks, G. 'Purple Haze' always has flowers with red flecks.

This succulent is often mistaken for the similar hybrid Graptopetalum 'Victor Kane'. G. 'Purple Haze' has thinner leaves with a slightly glossy surface and the red flecks on the petals are thinner and less pronounced. However, there are seasons where these two hybrids are impossible to tell apart and seasons when the difference is more obvious.

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 Graptopetalums care are similar to those for most succulents. All require lots of sunlight to look their best. In addition, they require gritty, porous soil with excellent drainage. Water your Graptopetalums 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.

See more at How to Grow and Care for Graptopetalum.

Origin

This succulent is a hybrid resulting from the cross between Graptopetalum paraguayense and Graptopetalum superbum created by Steve Jankalski.