Scientific Name
×Graptosedum 'Bronze'
Synonym(s)
×Graptosedum 'Alpenglow', ×Graptosedum 'Bert Swanwick', ×Graptosedum 'Coffee', ×Graptosedum 'Vera Higgins', Graptopetalum 'Roseum', ×Sedeveria 'Bert Swanwick', Sedum 'Bronze Delight', Sedum 'Coffee', Sedum swanwickii
Scientific Classification
Family: Crassulaceae
Subfamily: Sempervivoideae
Tribe: Sedeae
Nothogenus: ×Graptosedum
Origin
×Graptosedum 'Bronze' is an intergeneric hybrid that results from a cross between Graptopetalum paraguayensis and Sedum stahlii.
Description
×Graptosedum 'Bronze', also known as ×Graptosedum 'Alpenglow' or ×Graptosedum 'Vera Higgins', is a small succulent with reddish-bronze leaves that whorl around the stem with those at the tip arranged in a rosette. It can grow up to 6 inches (15 cm) tall and spread or drape over a pot. The leaves are flat on the upper surface, keeled below, measuring up to 1 inch (2.5 cm) long. They remain somewhat persistent on the stem, so the rosette is usually subtended by several inches of older leaves.
The terminal clusters of pinkish flower buds open to reveal the 4-petaled yellow flowers in spring.
Hardiness
USDA hardiness zones 8b to 11b: from 15 °F (−9.4 °C) to 50 °F (+10 °C).
How to Grow and Care
The rules for Graptopetalum care are similar to those for most succulents. All require lots of sunlight to look their best. They need gritty, porous soil with excellent drainage. Water regularly over summer, letting the soil dry out between waterings. Minimal water is required over winter. Overwatering causes 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 easily propagated 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 quickly roots below the parent plant and produces a new rosette. The new plant feeds off the leaf until it shrivels and falls off. By then, the new little plant had rooted and sprouted new leaves.
Learn more at How to Grow and Care for Graptopetalum.
Links
- Back to nothogenus ×Graptosedum
- Succupedia: Browse succulents by Scientific Name, Common Name, Genus, Family, USDA Hardiness Zone, Origin, or cacti by Genus
Photo Gallery
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