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Graptopetalum pentandrum cv Superbum
Dr. Reid V. Moran & Myron Kimnach
Location Mexico.
This fabulous plant looks similar to a Pachyphytum until it flowers.
The inflorescence starts as a filigree of fine wiry stems branching
and re-branching forming a spherical, complicated network of pale violet
stems. Then tiny buds start to appear gradually increasing in size,
then one by one tuning into the wonderful 14 mm Ø x 8 mm long flowers.
One of the most unusual succulents, it excels with its absolute superb
inflorescence.
As an extra when the flowers go over, new tiny leaf rosettes appear
on the end on some of the wiry stems. These eventually make new plantlets
(Hens and Chickens) which can be detached.
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The
leaf rosettes eventually reach 12 cm dia. The inflorescence makes a
sphere of branched stems up to 60 cm dia.
CULTIVATION is fairly easy using a well drained compost and full light.
In the growing season water when the roots are almost dry, less in the
winter
in a dry atmosphere in good light at 5ºC.
Water from a pot saucer and remove all dead leaves regularly.
Re pot every 2/3 years using a good compost with slow release fertiliser.
PROPAGATION is easy from offsets or cuttings or inflorescence plantlets
taken in the summer. They can be slow to root so use a sandy seed type
of compost.
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