How to Care for and Cultivate Graptoveria 'Mrs Richards'

Graptoveria 'Mrs Richards' is a hybrid variety between the Windmill Grass genus and the Stonecrop genus, originating from Korea. It is a medium-sized perennial succulent herbaceous plant. The plant's fleshy, thick leaves are arranged in a lotus-like shape when young plants, and almost no stems are visible. Mature plants have upright stems and tend to produce side shoots, forming clumps of plants. The leaves are spoon-shaped, egg-triangular, or broadly ovate, with variations throughout growth. Leaf tips may be pointed or blunt, covered in white powder, and can range from green with a reddish hue, light brown, gray-purple, rose-red, to pink jelly-like color, changing with growth, season, light exposure, and temperature fluctuations. Perhaps due to its base color resembling the skin tone of the Romani people, it is called "Gypsy Girl." The front of the leaves may be slightly concave, while the back is slightly convex, giving an overall "plump" appearance. In spring, it produces umbel inflorescences with star-shaped flowers, consisting of five narrow petals that may not be very conspicuous, ranging from light green to green-white with pinkish hues and red dots or lines. The stamens' anthers are ochre-colored, with the stamens turning purple when the flowers open, making them relatively prominent. Both the flower stalk and sepals are light brown or gray-purple. Due to minimal color variation, they may not stand out significantly.


Graptoveria 'Mrs Richards' is robust and relatively easy to care for. It thrives in well-lit, dry, and ventilated environments. It is a winter type plant and can be maintained outdoors in full sunlight throughout the day. It requires a considerable amount of sunlight but minimal water. During hot summers, partial shade and increased ventilation are recommended to prevent waterlogging in the potting soil. As long as there are sufficient sunlight and no extreme weather conditions, it does not need to be moved indoors during winter. Succulent-specific soil mix can be used as the medium.

Graptoveria 'Mrs Richards' thrives in well-lit environments but is not tolerant of intense sunlight exposure. When caring for it, adjust the intensity of light according to seasonal changes. In spring, autumn, and winter, it can be exposed to full daylight, while in summer, it should be moved to a well-ventilated, partially shaded area.

To promote vigorous growth, repotting and pruning are necessary annually. During repotting, remove any rotten, yellowed, or weak roots to stimulate new root growth. Regular ventilation by opening windows ensures proper air circulation, reducing bacterial growth.

Graptoveria 'Mrs Richards' has low water requirements. Water thoroughly only when the soil is dry, typically every 7 to 15 days, to maintain slight moisture in the soil. Avoid waterlogging, and ensure ventilation after watering.

It thrives in well-draining, porous humus soil. A mixture of leaf mold, peat, and perlite can be used as the planting medium. Excessive soil stickiness can lead to poor growth, so it's essential to maintain a balanced soil texture. Additionally, adding sufficient basal fertilizer to the soil enhances its fertility.

Graptoveria 'Mrs Richards' is drought-tolerant and resilient to poor soil conditions. To promote growth, apply diluted organic fertilizer monthly during spring and autumn, primarily nitrogen-rich compound fertilizers. Water promptly upon observing dry soil to maintain moisture and encourage vigorous growth.