×Graptoveria 'Fred Ives Cristata'

Scientific Name

×Graptoveria 'Fred Ives Cristata'

Accepted Scientific Name

×Graptoveria 'Fred Ives'

Scientific Classification

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

Description

×Graptoveria 'Fred Ives Cristata' is a beautiful succulent with waxy leaves densely packed along the top of the crest. The leaves are smaller than those of normal form. The color of the leaves changes depending on the time of year and growing conditions, from pearly bronze to purplish-yellow-orange or blue-green.

Origin

×Graptoveria 'Fred Ives Cristata' is a form of ×Graptoveria 'Fred Ives' selected for its crested growth.

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 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 little bit of compost. Full sun is the best situation, 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. 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 root below the parent plant and produce a new rosette quickly. The new plant feeds off the leaf until it shrivels 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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