×Graptosedum 'Francesco Baldi Cristatum'

Scientific Name

×Graptosedum 'Francesco Baldi Cristatum'

Accepted Scientific Name

×Graptosedum 'Francesco Baldi'

Synonym(s)

×Graptosedum 'Darley Sunshine Cristatum'

Scientific Classification

Family: Crassulaceae
Subfamily: Sempervivoideae
Tribe: Sedeae
Nothogenus: ×Graptosedum

Origin

×Graptosedum 'Francesco Baldi Cristatum' is a form of ×Graptosedum 'Francesco Baldi' selected for its mutated growth.

Description

×Graptosedum 'Francesco Baldi Cristatum' is an interesting succulent with glaucous lance-shaped leaves densely packed along the top of flattened stems. It has smaller leaves than the normal form of ×Graptosedum 'Francesco Baldi'. The leaves are blue-grey in partial shade, while in full sun, they become pinkish-grey. During the winter, the leaves take a brownish-purple tinge. Each specimen of this plant has a unique and intriguing shape.

Hardiness

USDA hardiness zones 9a to 11b: from 20 °F (−6.7 °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 the plants regularly over summer, 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 easily propagated by seeds, leaf cuttings, or offsets. Any rosette that breaks off can 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 up 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.

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