Graptosedum is also commonly known as the ‘Francesco Baldi’. The succulent is known to be hairless and reaching around 12.5 cm (5″) in diameter. When it continues growing it can become 15 cm (6″) tall. If you grow it in partial shade it will tend to be more blue-gray in color while full sun will make it more pinkish gray. During the winter season you can expect the leaves to turn brownish-purple. The floweres are yellow.
During the summer growing period the plant appears to need much more water than the average succulent. Water when plant is dry and do not water again until the soil is completely dry again. Dislikes over-watering. Pay particular attention to make sure that they do not rot at the root from soggy soil. During October to March, water very sparingly, using only enough water to keep the foliage from shriveling. In a very humid situation in winter, it can rot even if totally dry. It likes dry air as much as dry soil.
Likes light shade to part sun (it will take a few hours of sun without a problem), but adapts very well to full sun and shade too. It can overwinters well also under grow lights in a cool room of the house. Graptosedums are chameleons. Those grown in partial shade tend to be blue-gray; in full, hot sun, gray-pink; in full sun, pinkish gray to yellow.
Fertilizer should be applied only once in early spring , diluted to ¼ the recommended rate on the label.
Although it needs a soil that is gritty and porous with good drainage, the soil must be able to hold the moisture that the plant requires. The ideal soil should contain equal parts of loam with small gravel added (eg pumice or lava grit). Good drainage is essential.
It is usually recommended to avoid freezing temperatures, but it is a very hardy succulent and can rebound from being frozen and is useful in areas that drop below -5° (-7°) C. It requires low temperature for flower formation and it will not flower unless it is overwintered for at least a month at 15° C or less. USDA zones 9-11.
