Graptopetalum pentandrum superbum is one of those fleshy succulents with lovely color that everyone likes to mix with green succulents of various shades. And it has special little flowers that make it even better.
The name graptopetalum means marked petals, the red lines and splotches on the flower petals. Superbum means splendid, distinguished, excellent; put the color, the fleshy leaves, the delicate flowers all together, and there you have it!
Graptopetalum pentandrum superbum is native to Arizona and the Jalisco area of Mexico, and like all succulents, likes sunshine and good drainage. More sunshine brings out more of that lavender color. As they grow and the rosettes get heavy, the branches tend to lean over and lose lower leaves as they grow. In Mexico some stems have been seen to grow to seven feet long. Mine will never get that big since I can’t leave them outside in full sun all year. Our winters put a stop to that.
But I always look forward to their blooms. Small they may be, but fascinating to look at.
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