Scientific name: Graptopetalum superbum
Common name: Graptopetalum superbum
The leaves of the purple Succulent are covered in a powdery farina which acts as a sunscreen. There are star-shaped yellow flowers in the spring.
Quick Look at Graptopetalum superbum
- Full sun to partial shade
- Typical water needs for a succulent
- Plant grows up to 12 in (30.5 cm) tall
Plant grows up to 3 ft (91.5 cm) wide - Zone 10a (Minimum 30°F |-1.1°C)
- Not cold-hardy
- Propagation by cuttings, leaves
- Generally non-toxic to people and pets
- Summer dormant
General Care for Graptopetalum superbum
Graptopetalum superbum is an easy-to-care-for plant, perfect for beginners and indoor growing.
Watering
Graptopetalum superbum needs to be watered frequently. The “soak and dry” method will allow the soil to dry out completely between waterings.
Our free watering cheat sheet will show you how to tell if your plants are getting too much water and how to save it.
Where to Plant
If you live in a zone that gets colder than 30 F, it’s best to plant Superbum in a container that can be brought indoors. It does well in both full and partial sun.
You can plant in an area of your garden that gets 6 hours of sunlight a day. If you’re in the Northern Hemisphere, place a room that gets a lot of sunlight near a southern-facing window.
Often Mistaken For
Graptopetalum paraguayense is a plant.
How to Propagate Graptopetalum superbum
Stems or leaves can be used to grow Graptopetalum superbum.
Cuttings
To grow Graptopetalum superbum, use a sterile knife or scissors. After removing a leaf from the main plant, allow it to callous for several days before placing it on well-draining soil. Water whenever the soil has dried out.
Leaves
To grow superbum from leaves, gently twist the leaf from the stem. The leaf should be a clean pull, where no part of the leaf is left on the stem. You will have a better chance of successful propagation.
Allow the leaf to dry out for a day or two before placing it on the soil.