Last updated on August 25th, 2023 at 12:36 pm
The graptosedum alpenglow is a very rare succulent plant that is native to the mountains of Africa. They have an amazing variety of colors and textures, with some leaves looking like they are covered in varicose veins and others appearing as if they were dipped in chocolate. This succulent can grow up to 2 feet tall and may produce flowers on occasion.
The graptosedum alpenglow is a beautiful succulent that looks like it was taken straight out of the sky. This low-light loving plant only needs indirect sunlight to survive and thrive, which makes this an excellent addition to any home or office. They have leaves that are so deep green they almost look blue at times, with white veins running through them for extra contrast.
Origin and description
Graptosedum alpenglow is a compact growing ornamental succulent. Also known as Sedum, this plant has an upright habit and can grow up to two feet tall depending on the variety used. They come in colors like pink, purple, or blue-green. It’s a beautiful succulent that works well in small spaces and is perfect for containers. This plant blooms from late spring through early fall, making it a welcome addition to any garden or outdoor space with limited sun exposure.
While graptosedum alpenglow typically has no serious problems when grown outdoors in USDA plant hardiness zones 7 through 11, this plant can be susceptible to root rot if grown in overly moist conditions. It’s important not to overwater the plant and allow the soil surface to dry between waterings. Graptosedum alpenglow should also be protected from heavy rainfall or high humidity because both of these environmental factors will contribute to fungal infections and root rot.
Graptosedum alpenglow propagation
Propagation is by stem cuttings. Keep the leaves on until roots form, then pinch back to force energy into root production. Planting in a well-drained soil mixture helps them grow faster and healthier. Water gently but frequently after planting, letting it dry out between waterings so that no soggy conditions exist for prolonged periods. While graptosedum alpenglow will tolerate cool conditions, they grow best in bright light (with filtered sun or morning sun).
Graptosedum alpenglow care
Graptosedum alpenglow has a low-care requirement, making it great for those who are busy or have trouble keeping plants alive.
Graptosedum alpenglow is an ideal plant for beginners as it requires very few care requirements. It can be grown indoors or out, but take note of its winter dormancy period if you live in areas with colder winters than zone 7 (USDA).
Light requirements
Graptosedum alpenglow is a sun-loving plant but does well in bright shades. In its native habitat, it can be found growing under mountain conifers along the high elevation ridges of the southern Appalachian Mountains from Virginia to Georgia.
Graptosedum alpenglow is a hardy succulent, with its leaves staying evergreen in the winter. It does very well on windowsills or under grow lights indoors or out. Graptosedum will flower when it receives no more than six hours of sunlight each day, and nights are cool (50–60 degrees F).
Soil/potting mix
Graptosedum alpenglow does well in a cactus mix or can be grown in sandy/gravelly soil with excellent drainage.
During the dormant winter months, waterlogging and cold temperatures (below 50F), can cause your plant to rot, so it is advisable to plant it in a cactus potting mix or sand/gravel soil which will allow for excellent drainage.
Fertilizer
Graptosedum alpenglow needs little fertilizer; a slow-release, low nitrogen (NPK ratio of about 13-13-12) is good for plants that are grown in the ground. If grown indoors or under lights, you can fertilize with a weak liquid solution every month during the growing season and especially when it flowers.
Watering with a liquid fertilizer solution is beneficial during the growing season, this can be done weekly or monthly depending on your watering schedule. If you are going away for a few weeks in summer then increase water frequency but do not fertilize more than twice a month.
Watering
During the active growing season water graptosedum alpenglow when the soil surface dries out. In winter, allow it to dry a bit between waterings but never let it wilt or become extremely desiccated. At this time of year, you can reduce watering frequency and light levels to encourage dormancy. Graptosedum alpenglow will respond to warmth and ample light by sprouting new growth.
Temperature
Graptosedum alpenglow does well in cool to intermediate conditions and will benefit from a winter rest period after flowering. It can be kept outside during the summer, but take care that it doesn’t dry out too much or get splashed by cold water as this may lead to rots developing under the leaves which are hard to treat.
Graptosedum alpenglow prefers a winter dormancy but will tolerate fluctuating temperatures. It is advisable to keep it away from frost and areas of extreme cold as this may lead to the plant leaves dying back.
An ideal temperature range is between 55-60 degrees F during the night and up to 70 degrees F in the day.
Humidity
Graptosedum alpenglow is an excellent plant for growing indoors, but it can tolerate lower humidity levels outside. If you are looking to grow your graps inside, then ensure good airflow and avoid misting the leaves as this may lead to rot.
Another option if you live in a dry area is to place pebbles or a water dish under the pot so that it can absorb moisture from below.
An ideal humidity range is 40-60% during the night and up to 75% during the day.
Pruning/shaping
Graptosedum alpenglow does not require shaping or pruning as it naturally forms a rosette. In the winter months, any dead leaves can be removed and old flower stalks cut back to the base of the plant. Ensure that you do not remove all of the old brown foliage as this will cause your graptosedum to look untidy.
A good way of controlling growth is by manually pinching out the ends of the stems when they reach 15cm (0.50 ft) in height, these can then be repotted or used for cuttings once they are long enough to form roots. Pinching also encourages your graps to branch out and form multiple heads.
Do not prune when the plant is in active growth unless there are dead leaves that need removing, but you can always propagate new shoots for cuttings if it becomes overgrown or to fill gaps inside your home.
When to repot
Graptosedum alpenglow doesn’t require frequent repotting as it is a relatively small plant. A good way of controlling the growth rate is to reduce watering frequency and stop fertilizing when it begins producing new leaves after flowering.
Once you see roots peeking through the drainage holes, then your graps needs repotting. You can also increase the size of your pot when you see signs that it is root-bound.
Repot in spring once new growth begins, this gives enough time for any hard pruning and shaping to be completed beforehand. If not done before repotting then do so immediately afterward or risk damaging the plant further.
Dormancy
When growing graptosedum alpenglow, it is best to keep them dry over the winter months. This doesn’t mean they are dead, but more of a state of dormancy where there isn’t active growth happening on the plant. While resting during this time, water should be kept away from these plants as much as possible.
Flowers & Fragrance
Graptosedum alpenglow is a flowering plant that typically blooms in the summer. The flowers are small but very showy with their bright colors and long-lasting effects. They have an exotic fragrance to them which makes them great for attracting butterflies into your garden or houseplants around your sunroom window.
Growth rate
Graptosedum alpenglow is a slow-growing plant that can be kept to a small size with good care. These plants do well in containers but need protection from frost outdoors during the winter months. It thrives best when given plenty of sunlight and should only be watered as needed without overwatering it.
Toxicity
Graptosedum alpenglow is not known to be toxic, but it may cause skin irritation or allergies. Symptoms of this include skin rashes and itchiness if the sap from the plant comes in contact with your skin. To avoid any problems you should wear gloves when handling these plants so that the leaves don’t come into direct contact with your skin.
USDA Hardiness Zones
Graptosedum alpenglow is a perennial plant in USDA Hardiness Zones of 7 through 10. This means that it will survive the winters with colder temperatures and comes back into bloom every year when warmer weather begins to arrive.
Pests and diseases
Graptosedum alpenglow has few if any pests or diseases to deal with while growing in the garden. It is susceptible to spider mites and thrips that can cause damage by sucking sap from the plant; this causes discoloration on the leaves. Mealybugs are also a problem for these plants due to their cottony-looking substances on the leaves.
Conclusion
One of the best ways to create living art is with succulents. The Graptosedum Alpenglow collection has a range of colors that you can use for any design, but I’m particularly fond of their purple-and-green combination!
