About
Graptopetalum paraguayense, the mother-of-pearl plant, is a clump-forming succulent with basal rosettes to 10 cm across of pointed, grey-green leaves often tinged with pink, borne at the ends of trailing stems. Short sprays of star-shaped, yellow and red flowers are produced in summer. One of the most popular and easy-care of all rosette succulents for a sunny windowsill 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
AspectEast-facing, North-facing, South-facing, West-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH2
Plant details
Plant typeCactus Succulent
HabitClump forming
FoliageEvergreen
Height0.1-0.5 metres
Spread0.5-1 metres
Time to full height5-10 years
Suggested usesPatio and container plants, Hanging basket
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