Last updated on August 25th, 2023 at 12:36 pm
Graptoveria is a succulent plant native to Mexico and Central America. The name graptopetalum comes from the Greek word which means “a writing on stone” in reference to its markings or “writing” on its leaves. Graptoverias grow well outdoors during wintertime, yet are sensitive to freezing temperatures.
They are one of the coolest succulents out there. They have an interesting shape and a fun color scheme that makes them stand out in any garden or collection. The plant itself is fairly easy to care for, but propagation can be difficult if you don’t know how to do so properly.
Graptoveria propagation
Graptoveria propagation is actually not as difficult as many people think. There are two ways to propagate the plant, either from leaf cuttings or by tubercles.
When propagating through leaves, simply take a healthy one and pinch it in half lengthwise so that there’s enough of each side for roots to grow out of. It’s important to make sure that the cut is at least ¼ inch from where the leaf joins with the stem. Once you have a piece of it, place both sides in separate pots and water them until they are thoroughly dampened.
Propagation through tubercles can be done in one of two ways as well: Either by seed or by cutting. If you want to do it through seed, then simply take a ripe one and scatter the seeds in separate containers so that they can grow into new plants.
If using cuttings of tubercles for propagation, clean them off with water before planting them in pots filled with potting soil or cactus mix. Make sure that when placing the cutting in the pot, it is at least ½ inch below soil level.
For both methods of propagation be sure to keep them watered regularly and provide light so that they can grow and thrive.
Graptoverias are fun plants for indoor or outdoor use; you’ll enjoy propagating them as well!
Graptoveria care information
Light requirements
Graptoveria needs bright light to thrive. They can be grown in shady areas, but will not grow very well there. Furthermore, they should never be put outside during the summer months. Allowing them too much sun exposure for an extended period of time could kill a plant or make it more susceptible to pests and diseases like spider mites.
If the plant is receiving too much sun, a person can use shading or screening to lessen the amount of light it receives during those hours. When overwatered and in direct sunlight for an extended period of time, graptoveria will wilt until they are thoroughly dried out again and have stopped wilting from being overwatered.
Lighting is also important to graptoveria, as it will help them grow well and stay healthy, but the plant should not be in direct sunlight for extended periods of time or outside during the summer months.
Soil/Potting mix
Although graptoveria prefer being potted in a potting mix, the soil will suffice as well if it drains quickly. There needs to be enough room for the roots to grow and spread out without becoming too compacted so that they can get plenty of oxygen flow.
If the soil is too compacted, the plant may need to be watered more often or it will wilt.
Fertilizer
It is best to fertilize graptoveria at least once a month and as needed. If the plant does not show any signs of wilting or needing water, then it doesn’t need fertilizer that month.
If you notice the leaves are pale in coloration, you may want to fertilize more often so that there is enough nutrition for the plant to thrive.
Fertilizing once a month will help the graptoveria grow well and stay healthy, but they should not be fertilized too often or it could cause them to wilt until they are watered thoroughly again.
Watering
It is important to water graptoveria as needed. If the soil has become too dry, then a person should water it until dampened but not sopping wet.
When over-watered and in direct sunlight for an extended period of time, graptoveria will start wilting until they are thoroughly dried out again and stopped wilting from being over-watered.
The best time to water a graptoveria is in the mornings because it will have more sunlight and heat, which promotes better growth for the plant. If watering during this time of day does not suffice, then a person might want to check their soil levels or switch out pots with different drainage rates.
Watering more often or during the day will help graptoveria grow well and stay healthy.
Temperature
Graptoveria prefers to be in an area that is around 70-80 degrees Fahrenheit. If the temperature reaches too high, then they will start wilting until they have been watered thoroughly again and stopped wilting from being over-watered.
If a person notices their graptoveria has started becoming droopy or wilt more often, it could be caused by a higher temperature.
Humidity
Graptoverias need humidity to thrive. They will start wilting if the humidity becomes too low.
The best way to increase the level of humidity is by using a humidifier or placing them near a running water source for at least two hours. If this does not work, then it may be caused by the temperature being too high or there is low light in the area they are situated.
If humidity becomes too low and wilting starts, it can be increased with more misting of water on them during certain times of day as well as placing them near a running water source for at least two hours every day.
Repotting
It is recommended to repot graptoveria every six months. If they become too cramped, it will promote more wilting and decrease the plant’s growth because there are not enough nutrients or room for roots to grow.
Pruning
After the initial rooting, graptoveria can be trimmed or cut back to promote branching. Once a plant has rooted and grown six leaves, it will have produced enough energy to sustain itself for future growth. Additional pruning is not needed until then. Pruning should never happen before the roots of a graptopetalum are established.
Growth rate
Graptoveria can grow up to three inches monthly.
A second graptopetalum plant should be placed at least six feet away from the first. The need for a larger spacing is due to their tendency towards straying and invading each other’s territory, as they compete for water and nutrients in dry climates such as California.
The next graptopetalum plant should be placed at least one foot away from the edge of a structure to avoid having roots grow up and over it. This will cause wilting, which can lead to death in the event that they are not watered regularly.
Toxicity
Graptoveria plants are toxic to humans, dogs, and cats.
Pests and diseases
Graptoveria plants are susceptible to a number of pests and diseases. These include aphids, leaf miners, mealybugs, and spider mites.
If aphids appear on a graptopetalum plant, they should be sprayed with water or a horticultural soap solution and then rinsed off. Repeat this process every day until there is no sign of infestation for at least two weeks.
On the other hand, if mealybugs or spider mites are found, a broad-spectrum insecticide should be used.
