×Graptosedum 'Joan Steele'

Scientific Name

×Graptosedum 'Joan Steele'

Scientific Classification

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

Origin

This succulent is an intergeneric hybrid, probably from a cross between Graptopetalum pachyphyllum and unknown Sedum species. The origin is unknown.

Description

×Graptosedum 'Joan Steele' is a beautiful succulent shrublet that forms small rosettes of fleshy leaves at the end of decumbent stems. It grows up to 6 inches (15 cm) tall, branching at the base. Rosettes are up to 1.6 inches (4 cm) in diameter. Leaves are blue-green with an orange-to-red blush.

The small white flowers are star-shaped, 5-merous, and appear in dense clusters on short, leafy stalks with 1 to 4 branches in spring.

How to Grow and Care for ×Graptosedum 'Joan Steele'

Light: ×G. 'Joan Steele' thrives in sunlight, so choose a location where it will receive full sun. However, it will also grow in partial shade with slightly rangy results. Therefore, keep it near a sunny window when grown as a houseplant.

Soil: The plant needs good drainage to maintain a healthy root system. When growing ×G. 'Joan Steele' in a pot, choose a well-drained soil mix and a pot with drainage holes.

Temperature: This plant will do well in hot weather, but its most active growth will occur in spring and fall. ×G. 'Joan Steele' can withstand temperatures as low as 20 °F (-6.7 °C). USDA Plant Hardiness Zones 9a to 11b, 20 to 50 °F (-6.7 to 10 °C).

Watering: The plant growing outdoors in full sun will appreciate a weekly watering in summer. Cut back on watering to about every 10 to 14 days when the weather cools in spring and fall. Rather than giving the potted plant little splashes of water here and there, give it a good soaking until water runs out the drainage holes, then wait for the soil to dry out completely before watering again. In winter, water your plant just enough to keep it from shriveling.

Fertilizing: Apply fertilizer to promote healthy growth, including flower production. Fertilize during the active growing season. A water-soluble fertilizer diluted to half the recommended strength is suitable and commonly used.

Repotting: ×G. 'Joan Steele' do not need frequent repotting. Instead, repot your plant when it has outgrown its container in fresh potting mix in a new pot slightly larger than the old one. Give the plant a week or so to readjust before you water it.

Propagation: The easiest way to propagate ×G. 'Joan Steele' is through stem cuttings. It is also easy to propagate from leaves. Even a leaf that drops off quickly roots below the parent plant and produces a new rosette. The best time to take cuttings is spring and summer.

Learn more at How to Grow and Care for Graptopetalum.

Toxicity of ×Graptosedum 'Joan Steele'

×G. 'Joan Steele' is generally non-toxic to humans and animals.