Graptosedum ‘California sunset’ is a widely popular succulent plant.
A hybrid cross between Graptopetalum paraguayense and Sedum adolphii, Graptosedum has eye-catching Echeveria-like, compact rosettes in orange color with pink undertones.
It’s an easy-to-grow plant and boasts durable, grayish new leaves which are famous for their pastel coloration.
The plant’s sunset colors are similar to the sedum plant.
In Spring, Graptosedum ‘California sunset’ produces visually appealing white flowers.
Belonging to the Crassulaceae family, there are other Graptosedum hybrids including:
- Graptosedum Peachblossom
- Graptosedum Vera Higginssucculent
- Alpenglowsucculent
Graptosedum California Sunset Care
Size & Growth
The plant has grayish leaves spiraling around the stem.
The new rosettes grow at the top of the plant.
The plant has thick rosettes like Echeveria plants, which are cut back to maintain a compact plant, making it an ideal plant for decoration purposes.
It’s growing season is Spring and Fall.
The plant is not frost-tolerant so it better be kept on a sunny window sill when there is a chance of frost.
The Graptosedum ‘alpenglow’ plant grows up to 12″ in height and 9″ in width.
Flowering and Fragrance
Graptosedun alpenglow produces white flowers in the spring season.
The plant needs full sun to develop its unique pinkish color.
It grows in a rosette form yet is much tougher.
Even though it is classified as one of the houseplants, the plant is not suitable for indoor growing yet a perfect option for adorning your rock gardens.
Light & Temperature
The plant requires full sun for its pink coloration yet it would need partial shade from time to time.
If you are providing full sun to your plant for the first time, start with an hour or two.
Normally, the plant will want six hours of bright light per day.
The plant is not frost-tolerant and it is best to keep it under the sun or on a sunny side.
The USDA hardiness zone of the plant is zone 10a to 11b: from 30° – 50° degrees Fahrenheit (-1° – 10° C).
Watering and Feeding
The USDA zones suggest the plant reaches its peak in the summer season.
Then, it is vital for the plant’s overall health to go through regular watering.
Even though in winter the plant needs minimal water, it will need regular watering during summer months.
But make sure you don’t end up overwatering the plant as excessive water can cause the plant’s root to rot besides making the plant get several pest infestations.
The plant has minimal fertilization needs.
Soil & Transplanting
While potting into moist soil is common with traditional plants, succulents usually require potting in dry soil followed by immediate watering.
The plant requires porous soil with good drainage.
Grooming and Maintenance
The Graptosedum plant is an easy-to-maintain plant.
It survives under minimum fertilization and doesn’t create much fuss overall.
If planted in proper soil and given proper sunlight, the plant will grow effortlessly.
However, if you see the plant is stretching for light, getting taller, and overgrowing, it indicates it is not getting sufficient sun.
The plant should maintain its rosette form throughout.
How to Propagate Graptosedum California Sunset
The propagation of the plant is done by leaves, seed, offsets, and cuttings.
Leaves:
- You will have to gently twist the leaf from the stem of this aloe when you are taking it for propagation.
- The leaf should be a clean pull with no part on the stem.
- This will allow you to have a successful propagation.
- Before placing it on well-draining soil, let the leaf to callous over a day.
Seed:
- Growing California sunset from seed is quite easy.
- You have to use a grow light and seed warmer to plant the seed.
- Seeds should be planted in the soil with good draining.
- Also, make sure to water the soil when it’s dry.
- Depending on the growing environment, germination can take weeks or longer.
Offsets:
- Cut the small rosette offsets produced by California sunset using a pair of scissors or a sharp, sterile knife.
- Before laying the offsets on well-draining soil, let them dry for at least a day.
Cuttings:
- With the help of a knife or pair of scissors, remove the leaf from the main plant.
- Now, allow it to callous for several days.
- Late, place it on well-draining soil and water the plant whenever the soil turns dry.
- Your regular maintenance will help you grow the new plant in the shortest time possible.
California Sunset Pest or Diseases
Graptoveria is prone to some serious succulent pests and diseases.
Overwatering can also cause the plant’s roots to rot at an alarming pace.
On the other hand, the plant is also vulnerable to the attack of mealybugs and aphids. Read these tips on getting rid of mealybugs on succulent plants. We like natural Neem Oil to control these pests.
Neem Oil is our FAVORITE natural organic insecticide. Control aphids, mealybugs, plant scale, Japanese Beetles and more. It can also be used as a soil drench.
However, the plant itself is not harmful to humans.
Graptosedum Uses
Use Graptosedum for decorating your rock gardens or for ground cover.
It looks great paired with Kalanchoe.
Since these are not cold hardy succulents, if you are living in cold regions, consider keeping the plant as an indoor plant.
When grown indoors pot the plant in containers with drainage holes and place in a bright location like a windowsill.
Use well-draining succulent soil mix which contains 50 to 70% mineral grit.
Water the plant regularly and make it one of your eye-catching houseplants.