How Do I Care For My Graptopetalum Filiferum?

How do I care for my Graptopetalum Filiferum?

Graptopetalum Filiferum is a succulent that is well-known for its beauty. As the plant grows, it should reach a height of up to 15 cm (6′′). The flat green leaves with pink pointy points are the plant’s most distinguishing characteristic.

When the plant develops blooms, they should range in color from white to crimson. When providing care, the following factors should be considered:

Watering

Graptopetalum Filiferum is a very succulent plant. It does not need much water once the soil has been properly prepared. This is the most important thing that needs to be taken care of. Allow the soil to dry out before watering, and water deeply.

Under normal circumstances, Graptopetalum Filiferum should be watered once every 10 days. Make sure that you water deeply, allowing the soil to hold as much moisture as possible.

Lighting

Graptopetalum Filiferum is a succulent with very little tolerance for direct sunlight. This means that it should never be placed in direct sun exposure, neither indoors nor outdoors. Placing it in an open window will provide some light as well as a lot of fresh air.

Soil

Graptopetalum Filiferum should be planted in sterile sandy-loamy soil mixed with a little bit of regular soil. Placing the plant in such a mixture will ensure that it has enough drainage, as well as adequate nutrients.

Temperature

Graptopetalum Filiferum, like many other succulents, is very sensitive to temperature. A temperature of around 15 degrees Celsius will be ideal. However, they should never experience freezing temperatures. When outdoors, they should be sheltered from cold weather as much as possible by placing them in a protected area and covering them with a thick blanket when needed.

Humidity

Graptopetalum Filiferum does not require high humidity. However, it does benefit from about 45-55% humidity indoors. To keep the humidity in a suitable range, maintain an area of about 70% humidity.

Fertilizing

Graptopetalum Filiferum is not accustomed to having a lot of fertilizer added to its soil. This may lead to the plant being spoiled quickly and dying faster than expected. If you wish to add fertilizer to the soil, it should be added slowly and in small amounts.

Repotting

As the roots grow the Graptopetalum Filiferum needs to be repotted in order to give it sufficient space. Graptopetalum Filiferum should only be repotted when it has become too big for the container that you are using.

Repotting once every three years will allow the plant to grow evenly and ensure that it will remain healthy throughout its life span. Most people use clay pots, as they are very economical and easy to clean after use. Before repotting, thoroughly clean out your Graptopetalum Filiferum’s container.

Propagation

They are very easily propagated. They may be split by gently cutting the plant and replanting the parts in a different spot. This is simplest when you have little plants that just want additional space or are being pushed out by bigger plants! To avoid injuring the parent plant while taking cuttings, gently remove it from its pot and replant it in a new one.

How do you propagate Graptopetalum Filiferum?

Propagating your Graptopetalum Filiferum is very easy. They are propagated by cutting off pieces of the plant from the mother plant and putting same in a new pot. The mother plant does not grow anymore after this procedure and will die, so take care when doing so.

The cuttings can be planted either singly or in groups of two or three to ensure that they all get enough sunlight and water. The following are steps when propagating; Preparation of soil by fertilize and moisten the soil well.

• Remove the mother plant and carefully cut off a piece of healthy stem. Take care not to damage the roots while taking off cuttings.
• Choose a clear plastic pot with a suitable depth (1-2 cm) and transplant the cutting into it. Keep it moist until it is well rooted, then stop watering and feed with very little fertilizer.
• The plant will grow to a height of about 15-20 cm (6-8 inches). It is a better idea to let the plant reach maturity before propagating.
• The leaves of Graptopetalum Filiferum are thick, fleshy, and semi-succulent with a reddish tinge on their edges. Some varieties have yellow leaves. The leaves appear in pairs and look like little hands with fingers sticking out due to the “thumbs”.
• The inflorescence is a single, fleshy, erect spike of flowers. It is usually between 2-4 cm (0.8-1.6 inches) tall and blooms from summer to the end of fall.
• The flowers of Graptopetalum Filiferum are white or pink and have a sweet, yet not very noticeable scent that grows stronger as the plant matures.
• A plant that has bloomed can be moved to a new location and will continue to flourish.

How big does Graptopetalum Filiferum grow?

Graptopetalum Filiferum should be left in its pot and not be placed in direct sunlight. It will grow to a height of up to 15 cm (6′), usually lies around 6-12″. The leaves of Graptopetalum Filiferum are thick, fleshy and semi-succulent with a reddish tinge on their edges. Some varieties have yellow leaves.

The leaves appear in pairs and look like little hands with fingers sticking out due to the “thumbs”. The inflorescence is a single, fleshy, erect spike of flowers. It is usually between 2-4 cm (0.8-1.6 inches) tall and blooms from summer to the end of fall.

The flowers of Graptopetalum Filiferum are white or pink and have a sweet, yet not very noticeable scent that grows stronger as the plant matures. A plant that has bloomed can be moved to a new location and will continue to flourish.

How long does it take Graptopetalum Filiferum to mature?

The plant requires at least 3-5 years before flowering. After that time it is ready for flowering and can be uprooted. It has a lifespan of 10-15 years. Graptopetalum Filiferum is a very easy and slow growing plant that needs very little care.

The only real pest that may affect your Graptopetalum Filiferum is a mealybug infestation. These are easily controlled using soap and water or the more organic option of a homemade detergent and rubbing alcohol solution.

When the plant is in bloom it should be protected from the cold by wrapping it in a blanket or covering with an old sheet to protect it from frost. Once the silvery-white blooms have faded, cut the plant away from the mother plant (carefully) and dispose of it.

Does Graptopetalum Filiferum have a scent?

Graptopetalum Filiferum has light fragrance which smells like vanilla and cinnamon with a hint of almond. It is strong enough to fill the room where it is placed. As it matures, the fragrance becomes stronger and more noticeable.

Graptopetalum Filiferum will continue to grow and flower until it dies after flowering. It then can be cut in half and planted again.

If you want a bigger plant, you could try dividing it into two or more parts after flowering. Some growers recommend cutting them off rather than pulling, which is probably unfair to the plant and makes recovering from the injury more difficult.

How much light does Graptopetalum Filiferum need?

Graptopetalum Filiferum is a sun-loving plant. They like bright indirect light and will not grow well in low light areas. In the wilds, they are found in mountain regions of Mexico, where it gets bright midday sunlight.

Although these houseplants are mostly shade-loving, they are not as tolerant of shade as other succulents such as Echeveria or Sempervivum. They are not fussy about light intensity, as long as they get bright light for at least half the day. If possible, move your Graptopetalum Filiferum close to a window that gets filtered sunlight for most of the day.

How often should I water Graptopetalum Filiferum?

Graptopetalum Filiferum is not fussy about water quality. It can handle a wide range of pH, water hardness and temperature. Water the soil at least once a week during active growth season, and once every two weeks in winter (when air temperatures drops below 20°C/68°F) or when it’s too warm. Never let the plant stand in water.

When you water your Graptopetalum Filiferum, make sure that you only use tepid or warm water. Watering with warm water, especially for the first time, will ensure that the roots of your succulent do not dry out. Do not over-water, as this can cause rot and fungus problems. Always let the soil dry out completely before watering again.

Graptopetalum Filiferum is a slow-growing plant and will usually take a year or more to reach flowering stage after being propagated from mother plant.

How much should I fertilize Graptopetalum Filiferum?

A minimum amount of fertilizing is required for Graptopetalum Filiferum. Use a balanced houseplant fertilizer such as a 10-10-10 or similar product. Fertilize twice in the summer, once in spring and fall before it blooms.

Do not overdo it, or its leaves will quickly become leggy and drop off. Feeding once every 2–3 weeks is sufficient. Graptopetalum Filiferum is very easy to care for, but too much fertilizing will damage the roots and cause unwanted problems.

Is a Graptopetalum Filiferum a succulent?

Graptopetalum Filiferum is a member of the Crassulaceae family, which includes plants such as jade plants, Echeveria and hen and chicks; however, it is not considered to be a true succulent because its leaves are thick, fleshy and semi-succulent instead of thin.

Also, it is not as drought-tolerant as most succulents. Graptopetalum Filiferum is an epiphyte. Epiphytes are plants that grow on top of another plant but do not obtain their nutrients from the host plant.

They derive all their moisture and nutrients from the air and humidity in its immediate environment. It is a perennial flowering plant and dies after flowering, so it is not considered to be a true succulent because it does not go completely dormant during winter as true succulents do.