×Graptoveria 'Mrs Richards' was named and first published by the Dutch horticulturist Johannes (Joop) Cornelius van Keppel in 1979.
Scientific Name
×Graptoveria 'Mrs Richards'
Synonym(s)
×Graptoveria 'Gypsy'
Scientific Classification
Family: Crassulaceae
Subfamily: Sempervivoideae
Tribe: Sedeae
Nothogenus: ×Graptoveria
Origin
×Graptoveria 'Mrs Richards' is a hybrid created by Albert Baynes of Shipley, Yorkshire, United Kingdom. Graptopetalum paraguayense is one of its parents, but the other Echeveria species that contributed to its parentage is unknown.
Description
×Graptoveria 'Mrs Richards', also sold as ×Graptoveria 'Gypsy', is a beautiful succulent that forms small, short-stemmed rosettes of fleshy, broad leaves with pastel tones. It grows quite fast and branches out from the base, forming a dense clump over time. The leaves are bluish-green with shades of pink, red, and purple. They are covered with a fine waxy bloom that rubs off when touched. The color of the leaves becomes more intense in bright light and cool temperatures.
During late spring and early summer, the rosette produces bell-shaped flowers on stalks with scorpioid branches. The flowers are yellowish to pinkish with small scattered red spots.
How to Grow and Care for ×Graptoveria 'Mrs Richards'
Light: ×Graptoveria 'Mrs Richards' 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 'Mrs Richards' 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 taking stem cuttings, but ×Graptoveria 'Mrs Richards' is also easy to propagate by leaves. Spring and summer are the best time to take cuttings.
Learn more at How to Grow and Care for Echeveria.
Toxicity of ×Graptoveria 'Mrs Richards'
×Graptoveria 'Mrs Richards' has no toxic effects reported. But although it is safe for growing around children and pets, eating the plant is not advisable.
Links
- Back to nothogenus ×Graptoveria
- Succupedia: Browse succulents by Scientific Name, Common Name, Genus, Family, USDA Hardiness Zone, Origin, or cacti by Genus
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