Spring/Fall Types

Graptopetalum “Francesco Baldi”

 

Characteristics of G. “Francesco Baldi”

Graptopetalum varieties that have been crossbred with genera like Echeveria or Sedum are quite popular. Francesco Baldi is one such hybrid. The thick leaves of Francesco Baldi form narrow elliptical shapes, and as the plant grows, its stem gradually lengthens. This plant is robust and easy to grow, and can even survive through spells of rain during its growing season; however, if it appears the rain will continue for a while, you should move the plant under the eaves.

Points to Check when Buying

Avoid buying seedlings that have a long stem and a lot of space between the leaves. These plants have stretched out due to a lack of sunlight.

Soil Composition

Mix 5 parts small-grain Akadama, 3 parts Kanuma soil, and 2 parts mulch for a ratio that has good drainage, water retention, and breathability. Add a layer of gravel like large-grain Akadama or pumice to the bottom of the pot.

Fertilizer

When you transplant a succulent, add a layer of granular base fertilizer on top of the layer of gravel.

How to Transplant

Remove the plant from its container and move it to a sturdy pot. Remove any darkened roots, as this is a sign they are rotten. Massage out the old soil from the roots and throw it away as well. Then, add in the fresh soil mix.

Pour in the slightly dampened new soil. When you have finished transplanting, lightly tap the pot to level the soil and place the plant in partial shade to take root.

How to Propagate

You can propagate these succulents from leaf cuttings. Simply lay a leaf on the surface of a pot of soil for a new plant to take root and sprout. For stems that have stretched too long, cut the area under where the leaves attach and insert that stem cutting into soil.

Leaf Cutting

Place the leaf you removed from the succulent stem on the surface of dampened soil, and after about 10 days the leaf will begin to take root and sprout. When your new plant has grown 4 or 5 leaves, pull it from the soil, taking care not to injure the roots, and transplant it.

Stem Cutting

Let the cut end of the branch dry out for 4–5 days, and then insert the branch into soil. During the first half month until the plant takes root, keep the soil constantly damp and leave the plant in partial shade. After the plant has taken root, you can care for it as usual.

 

Key Points for Growing G. “Francesco Baldi”

This species is very robust and can be easily propagated. During its growing season, place your succulent in a sunny place outside and expose it to direct sunlight. When the top soil gets dry, wait about 3–4 days, and then give the plant lots of water until it streams out of the hole in the bottom of the pot. This replaces the air in the soil inside the pot and is good for the roots. However, be careful not to water the plant too much or place it in an area with poor ventilation, as this can cause root rot from fungus.

Cultivation Calendar

Succulent Advice Q&A

Q The stem has grown too long and become weak!

A The stem of this variety grows easily, so you should cut the stem in the middle and replant the top part. Cut off the upper part of the stem with the leaves, let the cut end dry for about a week, and then insert the stem into damp soil. If you continue to grow the remaining lower segment of the stem, it will soon produce axillary buds, and you can propagate it.

Crossbreeding different genera is quite popular. From now on, you can look forward to the appearance of beautiful new hybrids as well.

Members of the Graptopetalum Genus

G. mendozae

G. “Debbie”

G. “Peach Hime”

G. pentandrum

G. amethystinum

G. “Bronze Hime”