Graptopetalum bellum

Japanese name: グラプトペタルム ベルム
Scientific name: Graptopetalum bellum

[Overview]
A succulent perennial.
It produces offsets freely.
The leaves are densely arranged in a spiral to form a rosette; they are triangular-ovate, 2–4 cm long, thick and pointed at the tip.
The leaf color is greenish brown to reddish purple, with a powdery bloom.
Growth is rather slow, but the plant spreads flat to form a clump about 3–10 cm across.
Flower stalks 5–10 cm long grow from the leaf axils and bear cymes.
The flowers are 2.5–3.5 cm across, deep pink to crimson, and star-shaped with 5 petals; the petals have no spots.
There are 10 stamens, and the anthers are white.

[Cultivation]
Propagate by division or leaf cuttings.
Propagation from seed is also possible.
It prefers a sunny, well-drained, well-ventilated environment.
It can overwinter outdoors if protected from frost and cold wind.
Place pots on a shelf or similar so air can reach the bottom, and move them out of the rain during long rainy spells.
It dislikes heat and humidity, so in summer move it to cool, airy partial shade.
Water thoroughly only after the soil in the pot has dried all the way through.
Water collecting in the rosette can cause disease, so pour water gently around the edge of the pot.
Keep it on the dry side in winter.
In spring, apply a small amount of slow-release fertilizer.
Pests and diseases include rust, black spot, soft rot and scale insects.

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