X Graptoveria

( grap - toh - VEER - ee - uh )

At-A-Glance Information

This hybrid group is filled with crosses between the genera Graptopetalum and Echeveria. These succulent perennials do well in USDA hardiness zones 9a-11b or Sunset growing zones 17-24 (to find your zone, click here: Zone Map) and require full sun to partial shade and little to moderate water to perform well in the garden. They are dependable, easy-to-grow favorites for containers and rock gardens, and can also be planted in mixed beds and borders alongside other low water-use ornamentals.

x Graptoveria Cultivars & Varietals

These hybrid plants are bred for their hardiness, compact habit, and differing foliage colors. Cultivars are listed and described below:
'Amethorum'
Compact rosettes with deep purple leaves.
'Debbie'
With frosty pink to lavender succulent foliage.
'Fred Ives'
Rosettes up to 12 inches wide with multicolored foliage.
'Harry Watson'
With delicate rosettes of blue-green leaves edged with pink.
'Lovely Rose'
Tight, silvery-green rosettes.
'Opalina'
With powdery, pastel-blue to lavender foliage.
'Silver Star'
With pointed leaves that have red tips.
'Titubans'
Classic, fast-spreading pale lavender-grey succulent. There is also a variegated form (pictured).

Caring for x Graptoveria

Handle these plants gently, as leaves are delicate and will break off of plants easily. Plant these succulents in a space in the landscape that receives full sun; ideally, they appreciate between 6 and 8 hours of sun each day, though there are some species that can handle a little bit more shade. They can take considerable shade, though color will fade to a blue-grey in low light conditions; the more sun, the more reddish tones will emerge. Ensure that soil is well-draining and has a pH of between 6.0 and 7.0 (slightly acidic to neutral). If local soils do not drain well, make sure to amend the planting area with plenty of sand and rocks before installing. Apply a layer of rock mulch around the planting area to suppress weed growth, maintain consistent soil temperatures, and to increase soil moisture retention.

Water new plantings regularly as they establish a strong root system in their new home. When established, these succulents are drought-tolerant, able to get by on rainwater alone for much of the year with supplemental waterings during extended periods of drought. Soil can be allowed to dry out completely between waterings. Pruning is simple; remove any damaged, diseased, or dead foliage at any time during the growing season, and remove spent flower spikes to neaten up the appearance of plants and encourage reblooms. Protect plants from frost and high heat (above 85 degrees Fahrenheit). Graptopetalum plants are considered long-lived perennials, able to survive for over 10 years in the landscape before needing to be replaced.

Caring for x Graptoveria in Containers
Choose a container that is at least a few inches wider and deeper than the nursery pot or root ball. Ensure that the pot has adequate drainage holes on the bottom to allow for excess water to flow away. Fill with a well-draining potting mix amended with perlite and sand or rocks, and top with a layer of rock mulch to suppress weed growth, maintain consistent soil temperatures, and to increase soil moisture retention. Water regularly as the plant establishes itself in its new home. Once established, waterings can be lessened; these succulents are drought-tolerant. Allow soil to dry out between waterings. Prune to remove dead, damaged, or diseased foliage at any time during the growing season. Every few years, check the bottom of the pot to ensure that the plant is not outgrowing its root space. If roots are growing through the drainage holes in the bottom of the container, it is a good indication that it needs to be potted up; choose a slightly larger container and repot.

Propagation

The best way to propagate x Graptoveria is by cutting in springtime. To propagate your succulent, you will need a clean, sharp knife or garden shears and a pot filled with a well-draining potting mix (if you will not be replanting in the ground). When you have gathered your materials, follow the directions below to propagate your succulent:
  1. Use your clean, sharp garden shears or knife to cut off a piece of stem with leaves. Place this cutting on its side and leave it in a dry, warm, shaded spot for at least three days. This will cause the root end to heal and form a hard callous. Doing this helps the plant avoid root rot when it gets planted in potting mix.
  2. Fill your pot with the potting mix described above, and then place the calloused end of your cutting into the soil. Push down until the cutting can stay upright without assistance. Place the pot in a spot that receives bright, indirect light and water lightly once a week. Do not allow the soil to become too moist or dry out completely.
  3. Your cutting should grow roots in about two weeks, whether or not it is placed in potting medium. To check for roots, lightly tug on the plant. If it resists, you have roots.

Problems and Pests

x Graptoveria plants are susceptible to developing issues with the following pests and diseases in the landscape:
  • Mealybugs
  • Aphids
  • Spider Mites
  • Root Rot
For more information on these pests and diseases, including how to treat and prevent them, consult the following pages:
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Gallery

Cultivar 'Fred Ives' is interplanted in this drought-tolerant garden alongside Aloe, Sedum, and Cotyledon.
x Graptoveria plants are known for their multicolored foliage, especially when grown in sun.
x Graptoveria 'Opalina' is paired with Crassula ovata 'Gollum' in this whimsical pot.

Videos

How to care for these beautiful succulents.
Learn all about Graptoverias.

Resources

Graptoveria Genus: The Ultimate Growing and Caring for Graptoveria Succulents
Graptoveria Plant Info: Learn About Growing Graptoveria Succulents
The New Sunset Western Garden Book: The Ultimate Gardening Guide (2012) - Page 346, x Graptoveria 'Fred Ives'