×Graptoveria 'Spirit of '76'

Scientific Name

×Graptoveria 'Spirit of '76'

Synonym(s)

Echeveria 'Spirit of '76'

Scientific Classification

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

Origin

×Graptoveria 'Spirit of '76' is an intergeneric hybrid created by Charles Uhl and results from a cross between unknown Graptopetalum and Echeveria shaviana. It was named and introduced by John and Mary Bleck of Abbey Gardens Nursery to commemorate the United States Bicentennial in 1976.

Description

×Graptoveria 'Spirit of '76' is a small succulent that forms colorful rosettes of fleshy, lance-shaped, slightly rounded colored leaves. The rosettes can reach up to 6 inches (15 cm) in diameter and produce offsets, forming a dense clump with age. The color of the leaves changes depending on the season and growing conditions, ranging from grayish-pink to mauve.

The flowers are bell-shaped, pinkish-orange, and appear in arching clusters on leafy stalks in spring.

×Graptoveria 'Spirit of '76' is very similar and easy to confuse with the much more common ×Graptoveria 'Debbi'.

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 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 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 up 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.

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