How to care for and propagate Graptopetalum superbumGraptopetalum superbum care and propagation informationPin

Graptopetalum superbum

The leaves of this purple succulent are covered in a powdery farina, which acts as a sunscreen for the plant. Watch for star-shaped yellow flowers in the spring.

Quick Look:

  • 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

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Care and Propagation Information

General Care for Graptopetalum superbum

Graptopetalum superbum is an easy-to-care-for succulent, perfect for beginners and indoor growing It is fast-growing, doing well in container gardens or even terrariums.

Watering

Graptopetalum superbum has typical watering needs for a succulent. It's best to use the “soak and dry” method, and allow the soil to dry out completely between waterings.

And be sure to get our FREE watering cheat sheet so you can learn how to tell if your succulents are getting too much water (and how to save them if needed).

Where to Plant

Superbum is not cold-hardy, so if you live in a zone that gets colder than 30° F (-1.1° C), it's best to plant this succulent in a container that can be brought indoors. It does well in full to partial sun.

Plant in an area of your garden that gets 6 hours of sunlight a day. If planting indoors, place in a room that gets a lot of sunlight, such as near a southern-facing window (if you're in the Northern Hemisphere).

Often Mistaken For

Graptopetalum paraguayense

How to Propagate Graptopetalum superbum

Graptopetalum superbum can be propagated from stem cuttings or leaves.

Cuttings

To grow Graptopetalum superbum from cuttings, use a sterile, sharp knife or pair of scissors. Remove a leaf from the main plant, and allow it to callous for several days before placing it on well-draining soil. Water whenever the soil has dried out completely.

Leaves

To propagate superbum from leaves, gently twist the leaf from the stem. Be sure that the leaf you get is a “clean pull,” where no part of the leaf is left on the stem. This will give you a better chance of successful propagation.

Allow the leaf to callous over for a day or two before placing it on well-draining soil.