About
Graptopetalum amethystinum, the jewel-leaf plant, is a clump-forming, perennial succulent to around 30 cm with thick, rounded, blue-grey to reddish-pink leaves up to 7 cm long. Star-shaped, red-petalled flowers with a yellow centre are produced on short stems in spring and summer. A beautiful and easy-care succulent for a sunny greenhouse bench or container.
About the genus
Graptopetalum are succulent perennials from Mexico and the USA forming rosettes of ovate or triangular, often glaucous or purple-tinted leaves and producing starry or bell-shaped flowers in small clusters in spring or summer. Easy-care plants for sunny, well-drained positions.
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun
Soil typeLoam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureWell-drained
AspectSouth-facing, North-facing, West-facing, East-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH2
Plant details
Plant typeCactus Succulent, Houseplants
HabitClump forming
FoliageEvergreen
Height0.1-0.5 metres
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height5-10 years
Suggested usesPatio and container plants
Native toMexico
Care notes
CultivationGrow under glass in a peat-free, loam-based potting compost in full light. Water freely in spring and summer and apply a dilute low nitrogen liquid fertilzer monthly. Keep barely moist in autumn and winter
PruningNo pruning required
PropagationPropagate by seed or leaf cuttings
Pest resistanceGenerally pest-free
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free