Japanese name: グラプトペタルム マクドウガリイ Scientific name:Graptopetalum macdougallii
[Overview]
A succulent perennial.
It spreads by producing runners.
The leaves are borne densely in a spiral and form a rosette; they are tongue-shaped, 2.5–3.5 cm long, thick, with a tail-like pointed tip.
The leaves are a bright bluish green with a powdery bloom.
Flower stalks about 5–7 cm long extend from the leaf axils and bear cymes.
The flowers are about 2 cm across, whitish yellow-green with reddish brown spots and stripes, and open in a star shape with 5 petals.
The outside of the petals is green.
There are 10 stamens, which spread radially.
[Cultivation]
Propagate by division or leaf cuttings.
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.
Withhold water in winter.
In spring, apply a small amount of slow-release chemical fertilizer.
Pests and diseases include rust, black spot, soft rot and scale insects.
