Graptopetalum PENTANDRUM

Graptopetalum PENTANDRUM - Five-anthered graptopetalum, Graptopetalum pentandrum.

Graptopetalum is a genus of ornamental compact slow-growing succulents in the stonecrop family (Crassulaceae), uniting approximately 20 species whose height varies from 5 cm (2 in) to 1 m (3.3 ft). It grows in the form of a branched shrub with juicy fleshy stems bearing terminal leaf rosettes resembling loosened pinecones, or without stems altogether with a dense ground rosette of squat leaves. Branched few-flowered raceme-like inflorescences are situated on lateral axillary peduncles. Graceful star-shaped flowers with widely open calyces have 5-7 separate lanceolate petals and 10-15 long stamens. Prolonged flowering continues from April to July over several weeks. In the natural habitat, the plant most often grows near coniferous forests on dry rocky mountain slopes of Mexico and southwestern North America. The species was first introduced to Europe by Mexican researcher Alfred Lau relatively recently, in the late 20th century.

Graptopetalum pentandrum is a little-distributed but interesting species in cultivation. On an erect stem that lignifies over time grow dense terminal rosettes of rounded, pointed silvery-lilac leaves. On tall, gracefully branched peduncles, small 6-petaled flowers bloom. White-pink narrowly lanceolate petals with pointed burgundy tips are thoroughly covered with reddish dots.

Seeds are sown on the surface of a sandy substrate, moistened from a spray bottle, covered with film, and germinated in the light at a temperature of 21-25 °C (70-77 °F). Seedlings require ventilation. Overwatering and drying out of the sowings must be avoided.

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Graptopetalum is an unpretentious, undemanding plant well adapted for growing in indoor conditions. It easily tolerates companionship with other succulents, but also looks very impressive on its own. For successful cultivation under home conditions, bright illumination must be provided; shading from direct sunlight is needed only during hot summer midday hours. It grows well on windowsills of south-, east-, and west-facing windows. Under short daylight conditions, supplemental artificial lighting with grow lights up to 10 hours is recommended. Temperature in summer should be 25-28 °C (77-82 °F), and from November to February during the dormant period 12-16 °C (54-61 °F). When conditions are met, the plant will demonstrate profuse flowering and begin reproducing. Watering should be moderate during active growth from March to October (as the soil dries out halfway), and quite restricted during the cold period, usually once a month is sufficient. Air humidity is of no particular importance.

Any loose, well-drained, low-nutrient substrates are suitable for cultivation. You can use a mixture of equal parts sod, leaf soil, and river sand, or a mixture of equal parts sod soil and river sand. The plant has a shallow root system, so it is better to use wide, shallow containers with a good drainage layer at the bottom. Repotting is carried out in spring as needed. Feeding should be conducted from April to September once a month with weak-concentration fertilizer for succulents and cacti. Feeding must not be done during the cold period.