×Graptoveria 'Fred Ives' (crested)

Scientific Name

×Graptoveria 'Fred Ives' (crested) – an informal descriptive name

Accepted Scientific Name

×Graptoveria 'Fred Ives'

Scientific Classification

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

Origin

×Graptoveria 'Fred Ives' (crested) is a sport of ×Graptoveria 'Fred Ives' selected for its crested (fasciated) growth.

Description

×Graptoveria 'Fred Ives' (crested) is an interesting succulent with waxy leaves that are densely packed along the top of its flattened stems. The leaves of this selection are smaller than those of typical ×Graptoveria 'Fred Ives'. Their color changes with the seasons and growing conditions, ranging from pearly bronze to purplish-yellow-orange or blue-green.

How to Grow and Care for ×Graptoveria 'Fred Ives' (crested)

Hardiness: USDA hardiness zones 9a to 11b: from 20°F (−6.7°C) to 50°F (+10°C).

The rules for Graptopetalum care are similar to those for most succulents. Container-bound plants thrive in a mixture of peat, sand or other grit, topsoil, and a small amount of compost. Full sun is ideal, but they will also 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. Water if it is dry several inches down, or the fleshy leaves look shriveled. Overwatering causes root rot, and the plant can become susceptible to several pest infestations.

These succulents are generally easy to propagate 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 and falls off. By then, the new little plant has rooted and sprouted new leaves.

Learn more at How to Grow and Care for Graptopetalum.

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