Graptopetalum sp('Ellen') is a succulent plant belonging to the Crassulaceae family. It closely resembles the Graptopetalum amethystinum (Rose) Walther, with its oval-shaped leaves and adorable appearance. It is a spring and autumn type succulent, belonging to the small-sized succulent variety. Graptopetalum sp('Ellen') grows rapidly and is easy to propagate into clusters or develop into mature stakes. Its leaves grow alternately, presenting an oval shape with a slightly flattened front and a curved back with a blunt round tip. The whole plant is covered with a thin layer of white frost. Normally, the leaves are greenish-blue or grayish-white, but in environments with abundant sunlight and significant temperature variations, they turn pink, and after proper care, Graptopetalum sp('Ellen')'s appearance can even rival that of Graptopetalum amethystinum (Rose) Walther.
Growing Environment:
Graptopetalum sp('Ellen') prefers a warm, sunny, well-ventilated, and dry environment. The ideal temperature for growth is between 15 to 25 degrees Celsius. It is drought-tolerant but susceptible to root rot if overwatered, so it should be grown in loose, well-drained humus soil. During the hot and rainy summer season, when the air is very humid, if ventilation is inadequate, Graptopetalum sp('Ellen') may suffer from high temperatures and humidity, leading to root and stem rot. Therefore, proper ventilation management is essential during the hot summer months. When growing Graptopetalum sp('Ellen') indoors, good ventilation is also necessary. This can be achieved by using fans, opening windows, or spacing out the succulents to ensure proper airflow and prevent overheating and high humidity.
Adequate Sunlight:
Graptopetalum sp('Ellen') prefers ample sunlight and can tolerate temperatures as high as 35 degrees Celsius and as low as 5 degrees Celsius. It is best to expose it to sunlight within this temperature range. During the spring and autumn growth periods, maintaining adequate sunlight promotes compact growth and thick leaves.
In summer, when temperatures reach 35 degrees Celsius, shading should be provided to prevent sunburn on the leaves. It's essential to maintain a well-ventilated and cooler environment. Remember, Graptopetalum sp('Ellen') may elongate during the summer, so shading should only be done during the midday hours.
After the temperature drops in autumn, gradually expose Graptopetalum sp('Ellen') to full sunlight until winter when temperatures drop below 5 degrees Celsius, then move it indoors to a sunny location. During the cold season, allowing Graptopetalum sp('Ellen') to receive more sunlight will enhance the color of its leaves.
Potting Soil Preparation:
Graptopetalum sp('Ellen') is easy to cultivate, grows fast, and readily produces side shoots. To prevent it from elongating, a potting mix of 60% coarse gravel and 40% nutrient-rich soil is recommended. This soil mixture ensures good drainage and prevents overwatering, which can lead to elongated stems and root rot. Graptopetalum sp('Ellen') prefers to grow in loose, well-drained soil, which allows its small root system to expand and helps control its shape. Planting Graptopetalum sp('Ellen') in a pot with a higher elevation in advance facilitates its growth and eliminates the need for frequent repotting.
Watering and Fertilization:
Graptopetalum sp('Ellen') prefers dry conditions and dislikes excessive watering. Since it grows quickly, daily watering is unnecessary to prevent elongation. Being a spring and autumn type succulent, it requires more water during these seasons. Water the soil thoroughly when it is dry, and apply high-phosphorus, low-nitrogen slow-release fertilizer once each season in spring and autumn.
Graptopetalum sp('Ellen') grown purely outdoors does not require deliberate water control. After the soil has dried out completely, it can be watered immediately. Rainwater can also be used, even in summer, as long as there is good ventilation and the soil mix has a high proportion of gravel (around 70-80%). However, during prolonged rainy periods and extremely low winter temperatures, water should be withheld to prevent elongation and frost damage or leaf loss.
Easy Budding:
Graptopetalum sp('Ellen') thrives in warm, sunny conditions, with spring and autumn being its growth periods. In suitable temperatures and gentle sunlight, providing adequate water and nutrients facilitates the rapid budding of side shoots. Generally, Graptopetalum sp('Ellen') planted in spring will bud in autumn, demonstrating strong branching capabilities and forming mature stakes.
Easily Shows State:
During the cool season, as long as the temperature does not drop below 5 degrees Celsius, Graptopetalum sp('Ellen') should be exposed to sunlight as much as possible. In environments with significant temperature differences between day and night, its leaves will exhibit a beautiful pink color. However, it's crucial to control watering, allowing the soil to dry out completely before watering again. This method, akin to drought conditions, promotes Graptopetalum sp('Ellen')'s aesthetic appearance, with short, thick leaves. Thus, during autumn and winter, Graptopetalum sp('Ellen') appears tender and beautiful.