Graptopetalum

Family: Crassulaceae

These fleshy succulents, endemic to North America and Mexico, form mats of thick-leafed rosettes, from tiny plants to 80 cm (32 in) tall. While similar to related Echeveria, the hell-shaped flowers, borne on thin, nodding stems, are less dazzling in colour. They hybridize readily with Echeveria species and there are several attractive and popular cultivars known as Graptoveria.

Species

G. filiferum, from Mexico, is almost stemless, forming offsets from the base of the dense, pale green rosette. This species is a parent of a lovely hybrid known as 'Silver Star'.

G. pachyphyllum is very small, to 3 cm (1 in) across, forming mats of dense rosettes of tiny, thick, fragile leaves, blueish green in colour, developing red tips in the sun.

G. para­guayense, the most commonly grown, has thick, prostrate stems and loose rosettes of mar-bled, grayish green to purplish leaves. 'fhe white flowers are spotted red.

Cultivation

In frost-prone areas, grow in an airy, intermediate greenhouse or conservatory, in pots of cactus compost. Ensure maximum light. Water sparingly in autumn and winter. Outdoors grow in semi-shade in well drained, humus-rich soil. Outdoors, plants need well-drained soil in full sun, but they will tolerate partial shade.

Climate

Zone 9 (warmer parts).