Graptopetalum mendozae

Are you one of those who enjoys growing succulents in pots? If so, I will introduce you to the Graptopetalum mendozae, a succulent that can always be grown in a pot, since it is small and also does not have invasive roots. Even if you see that it is growing a lot, you could trim its stems without problems, since it heals quickly.

So if you plan to purchase a copy, or have recently done so, now you will be able to know how to take care, and a few other things about her.

Origin and characteristics of Graptopetalum mendozae

Our protagonist is a succulent perennial herb endemic to Mexico, specifically from the medium sub-evergreen forest. Its scientific name is Graptopetalum mendozae, and her surname comes from the person who discovered her, Mario Mendoza, who collaborates with the El Charco del Ingenio Botanical Garden (Mexico). It is popularly known as graptopetalum, marble or immortelle.

Grows to a height of 15 centimeters, although its stems are hanging or prostrate, cream to green in color. The leaves are obovate, simple, and measure 18 millimeters long by 11 millimeters wide. These form rosettes, made up of 12 to 17 leaves.

The flowers, which sprout in spring, are grouped in number from 4 to 10, and are formed by a white corolla and a cream-reddish peduncle or flower stalk measuring about 6 centimeters. The fruit is a brownish follicle containing brown or reddish seeds.

What are the care that must be given?

El Graptopetalum mendozae it is a very easy plant to maintain. In fact, if it is the first time you have a crass, you will surely be surprised how well it grows and develops, and with little care! But do not worry, right now we are going to offer you a guide so that you know exactly what you have to do to stay alive:

Location

• Body exterior:: it is highly recommended to have it outside the home, in a lighted area if possible. You can give him the sun directly as long as he gets used to it little by little.
• Interior: it must be placed in a room where there is a lot of light. Also, it must be away from drafts.

Earth

• Flower pot: It is interesting to use pumice, akadama, quartz sand or the like. In the event that none of these can be achieved, equal parts Universal Substrate can be mixed with perlite.
  The pot or planter must have drainage holes.
• Garden: as the plant is relatively small, we do not recommend keeping it in the garden. But, if you have a rockery for example, it will grow very well if a hole of about 30 x 30 centimeters is made and filled with any of the aforementioned substrates.

Irrigation

This beautiful plant is moderately drought resistant. The substrate or soil must be allowed to dry between waterings, but it is a species that needs a little more water than other succulents. Therefore, during hot and dry summers, with temperatures above 30ºC, it may require 2 weekly irrigations.

During the rest of the year, and especially in winter, it will be watered much less. The earth takes longer to dry out, and as the Graptopetalum mendozae it grows at a slower rate, it will not be necessary to water as often.

Of course, it is important that you keep in mind that if you have it in a pot or planter with a plate / tray, you must remove the water from it after having watered. If this is not done, there is a risk that the roots will rot.

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During the vegetative season, that is, During the months that it is growing (spring and summer), it must be paid once a week or every fifteen days with a compost or fertilizer for this type of plants.

Read the label on the container to know what dose to add, and if you have to dilute it in water or not.

Pruning

If you consider it necessary, you can reduce the stems or cut them in late summer. Use clean scissors.

Multiplication

Would you like to have more copies? Then you can sow its seeds in spring-summer, or multiply it by stem cuttings until autumn. The way to proceed is as follows:

Seeds

1. The first thing you have to do is fill a pot with vermiculite that you will have previously moistened with water.
2. Then place the seeds on the surface.
3. Then cover them with a little quartz sand.
4. Finally, place the seedbed outside, in semi-shade.

In about a month they will germinate.

Stem cuttings

It is the fastest way to get new Graptopetalum mendozae. You have to cut a piece, and let the wound dry for a week. After that time, plant it in a pot about 8,5cm in diameter with quartz or pumice sand, and water.

If you have it in semi-shade and you water it from time to time, it will emit roots after about 15-20 days.

Rusticity

Resists cold and weak frosts down to -2ºC; although we do not advise exposing it to sub-zero temperatures.

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