Graptopetalum MENDOZAE

Graptopetalum MENDOZAE - Mendoza's graptopetalum, Graptopetalum mendozae.

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

Graptopetalum mendozae is a fantastic fleshy succulent with rosettes of light gray leaves on trailing stems up to 15 cm (6 in) in length. In bright sunlight, the small leaves acquire a darker coloration. The flowers are small, star-shaped, and white.

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

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Graptopetalum is an unpretentious, undemanding plant that is well adapted for indoor cultivation. It easily tolerates companionship with other succulents, but also looks very impressive on its own. For successful cultivation at home, bright lighting 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 exposures. Under short daylight conditions, supplementary lighting with grow lamps up to 10 hours is recommended. The 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 proper conditions are maintained, the plant will display profuse flowering and begin vegetative propagation. Watering should be moderate during the active growing season from March to October (as the soil dries out halfway), and very limited during the cold period, with once a month usually being sufficient. Air humidity is not of particular importance.

Any loose, well-drained, low-nutrient substrates are suitable for cultivation. A mixture of equal parts sod soil, leaf mold, and river sand can be used, or a mixture of equal parts sod soil and river sand. The plant has a moderately developed 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 done from April to September once a month with dilute fertilizers for succulents and cacti. Fertilizing is prohibited during the cold period.