Graptopetalum FILIFERUM

Graptopetalum FILIFERUM - Thread-bearing graptopetalum, Silver jade, Graptopetalum filiferum.

Graptopetalum is a genus of ornamental, compact, slow-growing succulents in the family Crassulaceae, uniting approximately 20 species whose height varies from 5 cm to 1 m (2 in to 3.3 ft). It grows in the form of a branching shrub with juicy, fleshy stems bearing terminal leaf rosettes resembling fluffy cones, or stemless altogether with a dense ground rosette of squat leaves. Branched few-flowered inflorescences in the form of racemes are located on lateral axillary peduncles. Dainty star-shaped flowers with widely opened calyces have 5-7 separate lanceolate petals and 10-15 long stamens. Extended flowering lasts from April to July over several weeks.

In the natural habitat, the plant most often grows near coniferous forests on dry rocky slopes of mountains in Mexico and the southwestern part of North America. The species was first brought to Europe by Mexican explorer Alfred Lau quite recently, in the late 20th century.

Graptopetalum filiferum has miniature rosettes (up to 6 cm (2.4 in) in diameter) formed of 75-200 leaves up to 3 cm (1.2 in) long, 5-12 mm (0.2-0.5 in) wide, and up to 4 mm (0.16 in) thick. A special charm is imparted by soft, thread-like, brownish bristles up to 15 mm (0.6 in) long at the ends of the leaves. White flowers with red specks appear on branched peduncles 8 cm (3.1 in) tall throughout the summer. It readily produces lateral offsets.

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. It is essential to avoid overwatering and drying out of the sowings.

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Graptopetalum is an unpretentious, undemanding, and well-adapted plant for indoor cultivation. It readily tolerates company with other succulents, but also looks very dramatic on its own.

For successful growing under home conditions, bright illumination must be provided; shading from direct sun is necessary only during hot summer midday hours. It grows well on windowsills of south, east, and west windows. Under short daylight conditions, supplementary artificial lighting with grow lights up to 10 hours is recommended. The temperature during the summer period should be 25-28 °C (77-82 °F), and from November to February during the dormant period, 12-16 °C (54-61 °F). If conditions are observed, the plant will demonstrate abundant flowering and initiate reproduction. Watering should be moderate during the period of active growth from March to October (as the soil dries out halfway), and quite restricted during the cold period, typically once a month is sufficient. Air humidity is of no particular significance.

Any loose, well-drained, low-nutrient substrates are suitable for cultivation. One can use a mixture of equal parts turf, leaf mold, and river sand, or a mixture of equal parts turf 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 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.