Graptopetalum (Graptopetalum), or spotted petal, is a succulent from the Fat family. In the genus, there are about 20 plant species with a different set of properties and characteristics. It is found mainly in the hottest climates of America and extends from Arizona to the Mexican border. Arid and stony soils in coniferous forests or areas on mountain slopes are habitual habitats for succulents. Cultivated flower species have long been known to European florists.
Among the varieties of graptopetalum, one can see both miniature bushes and tall bushes with spreading peduncles. Wild-growing modifications differ in size, structure of shoots and developmental features. Most species are characterized by a dense rosette of succulent or stemless leaves, which adorns the top of the bush or is located on the surface of the earth. There are varieties with squat leaf blades. Outwardly, they resemble open cedar cones.
Small-flowered racemose inflorescences sit on lateral peduncles that look straight out of the socket. The base of the peduncle is hidden inside the sinuses. Star-shaped buds are formed from separate lanceolate petals in the amount of 5 to 7 pcs. Long stamens are visible from the calyx. Their number does not exceed 15. Flowering occurs in late spring and lasts for several weeks.
Caring for graptopetalum at home
Growing graptopetalum at home is not difficult even for beginners. Indoor decorative spotted petals, like many cacti, are considered unassuming to care for, perfectly decorate any room and are suitable for cultivation in greenhouses. Representatives of the Tolstyankov family easily coexist with other plants and do not cause trouble for the owners. The culture grows slowly and fades quickly.
Location and lighting
A pot with graptopetalum is placed on the windowsills on the south side of the building. Bright light will not harm the leaves, but, on the contrary, is a prerequisite for the development of a healthy seedling. Beautiful graptopetalum grows well near the window, which is in the westerly direction. Here, too, the sun will be enough for him.
When not enough light falls on the leaves, artificial phytolamps are installed near the flowerpots. The length of daylight hours for a culture at the stage of growth activation should be at least 10 hours.
Temperature
The optimal temperature regime in summer for graptopetalum is mainly 25-28 ° C. With the advent of autumn cold weather, it is better to lower the temperature and rearrange the flowerpots to another place so that the plant is prepared for winter. From November to February, all vegetation processes freeze. Until the spring of next year, the succulent is transferred to a cool veranda or insulated balcony.
Watering
While the plant is intensively growing shoots, moisture is applied moderately. Stagnant fluid damages the roots and increases the risk of disease. Watering is repeated provided that the soil dries out at least half. Water is required to be taken at room temperature.
In cold weather, graptopetalum is watered only occasionally. The signal for the next session is the change in the turgor pressure in the plates. It is enough to carry out the procedure once a month.
Air humidity
The graptopetalum plant prefers low air humidity, being in confined spaces.
The soil
The spotted petal is planted in a loose, breathable substrate. It is not necessary to select a nutritious soil. The soil mixture for planting can be collected in different proportions, for example:
- Combine 2 parts of rough leaf land, 2 parts of coniferous land, 1 part of peat and 3 parts of sand.
- Take an equal amount of sod land, leafy soil and river sand.
- Put half of the sand and turf in the pot.
- Purchase ready-made soil for succulents.
Since the root system of the plant grows strongly as it grows, you will need to take a wide roomy pot. The bottom is lined with drainage, thereby avoiding stagnation of water in the soil. Small pebbles are poured over the substrate, then the shoots will not come into contact with wet ground.
Top dressing and fertilizers
Monthly top dressing responds favorably to crop growth. In flower shops, special fertilizers for cactus species are available for sale. It is not recommended to apply fertilizers in autumn and winter. During this period, the bushes are at rest.
Transfer
Graptopetalum does not tolerate transplantation. Once again, do not disturb an already established flower. Only when the roots begin to crawl out of the pot, the plant is transplanted into a larger container.
Reproduction methods of graptopetalum
For propagation of graptopetalum, leafy cuttings, seeds or young rosettes are used. The latter take root faster.
Before lowering the cuttings into the ground, the material is dried for 1-2 days. Slightly moistened, buried shoots are covered with glass or a piece of polyethylene. Excess water in the pot during the rooting period causes rot. Under favorable conditions and proper care, the processes will strengthen after a week. After a couple of months, a small strong succulent will form above the substrate, from which flower stalks will appear in the future.
Diseases and pests
The spotted petal is insect resistant. Waxed leaves do not quite attract pests. Among the diseases, rot takes the first place, which affects the roots and shoots of the plant as a result of improper care and soil transfusion.
Types of graptopetalum with photo
Sources on plant growing distinguish the following varieties of graptopetalum:
Graptopetalum beautiful (Graptopetalum bellum)
Has long earned recognition from florists. The plant is of short stature and has a shortened stem. The maximum length of a wild-growing bush is up to 30 cm. Rosettes of juicy dense leaves do not exceed 10 cm in diameter. They are located on top of the ground and rarely rise above the pot. This type of indoor succulent develops slowly and increases by only a couple of centimeters per year in volume.
The growth of leaf blades occurs in a spiral. The leaves that have just peeped out are directed with their heads up, and the old ones are tilted back. After some time, young shoots are also aligned horizontally. The leaves in the rosette are pressed very tightly to each other, like scales in a cedar cone, have a triangular shape and pointed tips. The plant is colored green with a gray tint. A bronze tint is visible near the very edge.
The height of the peduncle is about 10 cm. It bears a low-flowered inflorescence and rises at a decent distance from the mother's outlet. The diameter of the flowers is about 25 cm. The calyx is formed from 5 red-purple or pink petals.The color of the inflorescences differs in different types of graptopetalum. The central dark pink stamens stand out against the main background. The oval anthers are white.
Graptopetalum paraguayense (Graptopetalum paraguayense)
In another way it is called the "Stone Rose". The main advantages of the species are a fleshy short shoot of an erect or lodging type. Green, slightly leafy rosettes are formed from pointed, oval plates with sharp tips and up to 1 cm thick. The foliage of the Paraguayan graptopetalum is looser and not as densely located as in the previous species. The length of the plates does not exceed 8 cm, and the width is 4 cm. The outer side of the shoots is protected with a thin layer of wax. The culture is characterized by a bluish-blue color, but there are varieties with a pink tint.
Since the succulent rosette is quite large, the arrows of the peduncles stick out at a slight distance from the ground surface. Five-petal buds are unattractive, too small and inconspicuous. The white color alternates with reddish specks.
Graptopetalum pentandrum
Not all growers know about the existence of the described species, but if you carefully consider it, it will be difficult to resist planting such a wonderful plant in your apartment. Compared to the "Stone Rose", this succulent is formed from a rounded rosette with tightly fitting plates. Elongated peduncles are branchy and graceful. Thanks to this, the bush resembles a miniature tree with a dense crown. The flowers are small, collected from 6 narrow white petals with red dots.
