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.
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
Origin
This species is native to Arizona and south into northern Mexico.
Links
- Back to genus Graptopetalum
- Succulentopedia: Browse succulents by Scientific Name, Common Name, Genus, Family, USDA Hardiness Zone, Origin, or cacti by Genus
