Scientific Name
Graptopetalum 'Victor Kane'
Synonym(s)
Graptopetalum kanei, Graptopetalum 'Frank Reinelt', ×Graptoveria kanei, ×Graptoveria 'Kew Marble', ×Graptoveria 'Victor Kane'
Scientific Classification
Family: Crassulaceae
Subfamily: Sedoideae
Tribe: Sedeae
Subtribe: Sedinae
Genus: Graptopetalum
Description
Graptopetalum 'Victor Kane', also known as Graptopetalum 'Frank Reinelt', is a cute succulent that forms compact rosettes of fleshy leaves with powdery coating and lovely pastel coloration. In older plants, much of the basal leaves will drop off, leaving the bare stems. The rosettes grow up to 4 inches (10 cm) in diameter. Flowers are small, star-shaped, and white with red flecks. The colors of the leaves and the intensity of the red flecks inside the petals can vary considerably more or less depending on seasons and light.
This succulent is often mistaken for the similar hybrid Graptopetalum 'Purple Haze'. G. 'Victor Kane' has thicker leaves with a matte surface and the red flecks on the petals are wider and more 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. They require gritty, porous soil with excellent drainage. Water regularly over the summer months and let 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 created by Albert Baynes resulting from the cross between Graptopetalum paraguayense and probably Graptopetalum amethystinum.
Links
- Back to genus Graptopetalum
- Succupedia: Browse succulents by Scientific Name, Common Name, Genus, Family, USDA Hardiness Zone, Origin, or cacti by Genus
Photo Gallery
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