×Graptoveria 'Araluen Gem'

Scientific Name

×Graptoveria 'Araluen Gem'

Scientific Classification

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

Origin

×Graptoveria 'Araluen Gem' is a hybrid that results from a cross Graptopetalum paraguayense and Echeveria purpusorum. It was named by Bev Spiller, who imported it to Australia from Highland Succulents, United States, in 1980.

Description

×Graptoveria 'Araluen Gem' is a stunning succulent that forms rosettes of thick, dark green leaves with a waxy covering. The rosettes can grow up to 4 inches (10 cm) in diameter and slowly produce offsets. The leaves take on a pink hue when exposed to direct sunlight.

From late spring to early summer, the rosettes produce pink and yellow, bell-shaped flowers on branched stalks.

How to Grow and Care for ×Graptoveria 'Araluen Gem'

Light: ×Graptoveria 'Araluen Gem' requires full sun to partial shade for optimal growth. Therefore, place it near the brightest window in your home. In addition, if you are moving the plant outside in spring, do it gradually and avoid exposure to intense afternoon sun.

Soil: Having soil that drains quickly is most important for growing a healthy succulent. While many growers prefer to create their own soil mix, commercial soil for succulents will work fine.

Temperature: High temperatures are not a problem as long as there is plenty of fresh air, but ×Graptoveria 'Araluen Gem' is a tender succulent and must be brought indoors if there is a risk of freezing temperatures. It grows best in USDA Plant Hardiness Zones 10a to 11b, with average minimum winter temperatures ranging from 30 to 50 °F (-1.1 to 10 °C).

Watering: During the growing season, the "soak and dry" method is the preferred schedule for this plant. Water deeply and then let the soil completely dry out before watering again. Water sparingly during the winter, only enough to keep the plant from shriveling.

Fertilizing: Although it can grow well without fertilizer, the plant may benefit from extra nutrients. Feed only during the growing season and use a water-soluble fertilizer diluted to half the recommended strength.

Repotting: If growing it in a container, repot as needed in spring or early summer, but ensure the soil is dry before you start.

Propagation: The easiest way to get a good-sized new plant is by offsets, but ×Graptoveria 'Araluen Gem' is also easy to propagate by leaves. Spring and summer are the best time to separate offsets.

Learn more at How to Grow and Care for Echeveria.

Toxicity of ×Graptoveria 'Araluen Gem'

×Graptoveria 'Araluen Gem' has no toxic effects reported. But although it is safe for growing around children and pets, eating the plant is not advisable.

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