Graptopetalum rusbyi (San Francisco River Leatherpetal)

Scientific Name

Graptopetalum rusbyi (Greene) Rose

Common Names

San Francisco River Leatherpetal, Leatherpetals, Leather Petals

Synonyms

Cotyledon rusbyi, Dudleya rusbyi, Echeveria rusbyi, Graptopetalum orpetii

Scientific Classification

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

Description

Graptopetalum rusbyi is a small succulent with several stemless or short-stemmed rosettes of pale green or reddish to violet leaves. The rosettes grow up to 4 inches (10 cm) in diameter. Leaves are up to 2 inches (5 cm) long and up to 0.6 inches (1.5 cm) wide. Flowers are yellowish-white and cross-banded with dark red and yellow dots towards the center of the petals. They appear in clusters on up to 6 inches (15 cm) tall flower spike in spring.

Graptopetalum rusbyi (San Francisco River Leatherpetal) — *Photo via flickriver.com*

Hardiness

USDA hardiness zone 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. 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 ¼ strength.

The 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 ghost plant has rooted and sprouted new leaves.

See more at How to Grow and Care for Graptopetalum