Graptoveria - Cepheus
Graptoveria 'Cepheus' is a captivating succulent, a hybrid cross between Graptopetalum and Echeveria, known for its elegant rosettes. Cephus forms compact rosettes of thick, somewhat spoon-shaped leaves with a soft green color and subtle hints of pink or yellow along the edges.
Key Features of Graptoveria 'Cepheus'
- Compact Rosettes: Forms neat, symmetrical rosettes of fleshy leaves.
- Spoon-Shaped Leaves: The leaves are thick and somewhat spoon-shaped with a rounded tip.
- Soft Green Coloration with Pink/Yellow Edges: The leaves are primarily a soft green, with subtle hints of pink or yellow along the edges.
- Clustering Growth Habit: Mature plants may produce offsets or "chicks" around the base, forming small clusters over time.
- Relatively Small to Medium Size: Generally remains a manageable size for container cultivation.
- Potential for Flowering: Can produce tall flower stalks bearing clusters of small, star-shaped flowers.
Care for Your Graptoveria 'Cepheus'
- Light: Thrives in bright, indirect sunlight to maintain its compact form and coloration. Some direct morning sun is usually tolerated. Insufficient light can lead to stretching (etiolation).
- Soil: Requires well-draining soil to prevent root rot. A commercial cactus or succulent mix is ideal.
- Watering: Water thoroughly only when the soil is completely dry to the touch. Overwatering is a significant risk. Reduce watering during the dormant winter months.
- Temperature: Prefers warm conditions and should be protected from frost.
- Humidity: Adapts well to typical household humidity levels. Good air circulation is beneficial.
Maintenance for a Thriving Graptoveria 'Cepheus'
- Removing Dead Leaves: Regularly remove any dead or dried leaves from the base of the rosettes.
- Repotting: Repot every 1-2 years or when the plant has outgrown its container. Choose a pot that is only slightly larger with drainage holes. Spring or early summer is the best time for repotting.
- Protecting Farina: If your plant has a powdery coating (farina), handle the leaves gently to avoid damaging this protective layer. Water from the base.
- Pest Control: Monitor for common succulent pests like mealybugs and aphids. Treat any infestations promptly.
- Fertilizing: Generally does not require heavy feeding. A diluted balanced liquid fertilizer can be applied sparingly during the active growing season (spring and summer).
Propagation Methods for Expanding Your Collection
- Offsets (Chicks): Carefully separate offsets that have developed their own root systems from the mother plant. Allow the cut surfaces to callus over for a day or two before planting them in well-draining soil.
- Leaf Cuttings: Select healthy, plump leaves and allow the cut end to callus for several days. Place the callused leaf on top of well-draining soil or slightly bury the callused end. Mist lightly and provide indirect light until roots and new plantlets emerge.
- Stem Cuttings: If the plant develops longer stems, sections can be cut, allowed to callus, and then planted in well-draining soil.
Graptoveria 'Cepheus' is an elegant and relatively easy-to-care-for succulent, prized for its attractive rosettes and subtle coloration. Its graceful form makes it a wonderful addition to any succulent collection.
* Picture and information intended only as a guide. Size and colours of plants will vary, not any 1 plant is exactly the same and minor variations will occur.
** All plants will be posted bare rooted.

