How do you grow Graptopetalum amethystinum well? Take a look at the latest methods
Graptopetalum amethystinum is a succulent plant with vivid, dreamy colors and a cute, highly attractive form. It is also known as Peach Egg, Drunken Beauty, and so on. The question of which genus Graptopetalum amethystinum belongs to was internationally settled as far back as 1931 as Graptopetalum, and its star-shaped flowers also have very typical Graptopetalum characteristics. Now let us take a look at how to grow Graptopetalum amethystinum well!
Growth habits of Graptopetalum amethystinum
Graptopetalum amethystinum likes a warm, dry environment with plenty of light. It is highly drought-tolerant and likes loose soil with good drainage and aeration. It has no obvious dormant period and can take fairly strong sunlight. Under sufficient light its colors become more vivid and striking, and its rosette becomes more beautiful and compact. With insufficient light, the leaves take on a light green color and become flat and sparse. It is suitable for open-air cultivation. It grows well under climates that are warm in winter and cool in summer, and it does not tolerate hot, humid summer weather. Apart from a brief dormancy during the high summer heat, it basically grows continuously the rest of the time. When sunlight is sufficient, it displays an intoxicating pink color, with egg-shaped leaves like ripe peaches.
Propagation methods for Graptopetalum amethystinum
Graptopetalum amethystinum can be propagated by stem cuttings, leaf cuttings, and sowing, but leaf cuttings are generally used. Leaf cuttings are best done in spring and autumn. Place healthy, complete, plump leaves on the surface of slightly moist, loose soil, and do not expose them to strong sun. After a few days or several weeks they will naturally sprout roots and small leaves. When the roots reach 2 to 3 cm long, you can cover the roots with a thin layer of fine sand, and they can grow into independent small plants. Sowing is recommended for gardeners with rich succulent-growing experience; beginners should try it with caution.
How do you grow Graptopetalum amethystinum well?
1. Soil: For the growing soil of Graptopetalum amethystinum, use peat : perlite : coal cinders at roughly 1:1:1. To separate the plant from contact with the soil surface and to improve aeration, you can spread clean granular river sand or pumice on top (river sand size 3 to 5 mm). It is also recommended to use granular soil for growing, such as volcanic rock, maifan stone, and so on.
2. Watering: Watering Graptopetalum amethystinum requires watering thoroughly once the soil has dried out, and not watering if it has not dried. Leaf drop occurs because there is too much moisture, or because too much water is given when the seasons change; the leaves then fall off at a light touch. Use less water, or increase water gradually, and you can avoid leaf drop as much as possible. As long as the fallen leaves are plump, they can all be used for leaf cuttings and root very easily.
3. Pruning: After beheading, Graptopetalum amethystinum tends to grow side branches. If it is never beheaded, the old stem of the plant will grow very long before it starts to branch. For a more beautiful look, once it has grown to a certain size it should be beheaded to stimulate side shoots; only then will the plant look beautiful as a cluster.
4. Summer: When growing Graptopetalum amethystinum in summer, pay attention to ventilation and shading, water 3 to 4 times each month, giving a small amount of water around the edge of the pot to get slowly through the height of summer. It is enough to keep the plant's root system from drying out and withering due to excessive dryness.
5. Winter: In winter, once the temperature drops below 3 degrees, gradually reduce water for Graptopetalum amethystinum. Below 0 degrees, keep the potting soil dry, and try to keep it no lower than minus 3 degrees; this way it can overwinter safely. Give as little water as possible, and when spring begins, increase water gradually, otherwise root rot may occur.