×Graptoveria 'David Cumming'

Scientific Name

×Graptoveria 'David Cumming'

Synonym(s)

×Graptoveria 'David Cummings'

Scientific Classification

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

Origin

×Graptoveria 'David Cumming' is a hybrid possibly created by Charles Uhl. The parentage is unknown.

Description

×Graptoveria 'David Cumming' is a succulent plant that forms rosettes of fleshy, spoon-shaped leaves that vary in color from green to yellowish, apricot, and brownish-pink. The rosettes produce offsets as they grow, reaching up to 8 inches (20 cm) in diameter. The leaves can measure up to 4 inches (10 cm) long and 2.2 inches (5.5 cm) wide.

The flowers are star-shaped, white to cream with a flush of pink, and appear in spring and summer.

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. Container-bound plants thrive in a mixture of peat, sand, or other grit, topsoil, and a little bit of compost. Full sun is the best situation, but they will grow in partial sun with slightly rangy results.

Graptopetalums need excellent drainage and moderate water. You can tell when to water by sticking your finger in the soil. You should water if it is dry several inches down or the fleshy leaves look shriveled. Overwatering is a cause of root rots, and the plant can get several pest infestations.

These succulents 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 will quickly root below the parent plant and produce a new rosette. The new plant feeds off the leaf until it shrivels and falls off. The new little ghost plant had rooted and sprouted new leaves by then.

See more at How to Grow and Care for Graptopetalum.

Photo Gallery

Click on a photo to see a larger version.