When you think of rainbows and candy combined, what comes to mind? Vibrant, sweet flavors, right? Well, Graptopetalum Rainbow Candy is just as sweet, not in taste but in colors! With hues of orange, purple, and pink all mixed together, it looks just like a rainbow candy. I often wonder how this little fellow, Graptopetalum Rainbow Candy, manages to ha ve such rich colors. Let's dive into the magic of Graptopetalum Rainbow Candy!
Graptopetalum Rainbow Candy vs. Graptopetalum 'Purple Delight'
Does Graptopetalum Rainbow Candy look familiar to you? That's right! It resembles a common succulent variety, Graptopetalum 'Purple Delight'.
The main similarity between Graptopetalum Rainbow Candy and Graptopetalum 'Purple Delight' lies in their purplish tones. Both have slightly pointed upper leaves that gracefully curve outward. They are both low-maintenance succulents, suitable for beginners and seasoned indoor or outdoor gardeners alike.
If you own Graptopetalum Rainbow Candy and Graptopetalum 'Purple Delight' like me, you'll notice they are pretty distinguishable. Graptopetalum Rainbow Candy is like the adorable baby version of Graptopetalum 'Purple Delight'. Compared to 'Purple Delight', Rainbow Candy's leaves are smaller and fuller and boast richer, more vibrant colors when in their prime. If I had to choose between the two, it's Graptopetalum Rainbow Candy!
About Graptopetalum Rainbow Candy
Common Names: Graptopetalum Rainbow Candy; Graptoveria 'Gypsy'; Graptoveria 'Mrs Richards'
Family: Crassulaceae
Sunlight: Full to partial sunlight
Watering: Soak and dry method
Temperature: 30-95℉
Soil: Well-draining cactus soil mix
Flowers: Pink to orange flowers in late spring to early summer
Propagation: Leaf cuttings, beheading
Growth Habit: Stems tend to become woody; enjoys clustering
How to Care for Graptopetalum Rainbow Candy
Graptopetalum Rainbow Candy requires minimal extra care, and here's what I've learned:
How Much Sunlight Does Graptopetalum Rainbow Candy Need?
During the first summer of caring for Graptopetalum Rainbow Candy, I had it in my outdoor garden, basking in sunlight like Purple Delight. However, by the end of summer, I noticed severe sunburn on its leaves. Despite having farina, Graptopetalum Rainbow Candy's leaves are thin and can't handle intense summer sunlight. So, I moved it to the porch where it gets morning sun and afternoon shade. It performed beautifully, maintaining its subtle purple hue even in summer. You may wonder: How to Provide Shade with Succulents.
Graptopetalum Rainbow Candy also thrives indoors in indirect sunlight through a bright window. Rotate the pot weekly to ensure even sunlight exposure. With proper positioning, you can also have a vibrant purple succulent indoors!
How to Water Graptopetalum Rainbow Candy?
A common mistake among succulent beginners is overwatering. Graptopetalum Rainbow Candy's thick leaves store ample water, but overwatering can lead to root rot. I follow the Soak and Dry method for watering all my succulents. Watering intervals can range from 7 to 15 days or longer, depending on the season and pot size. It's about once a week in spring and autumn, while in summer and winter, it's approximately every 15 days. Always check that the soil is completely dry before watering.
To ensure safety, reduce watering slightly in summer and winter. I use a narrow spout watering can to water around the pot. When the leaves turn pale gray or bluish, it's a sign they need water. After watering, Graptopetalum Rainbow Candy's leaves become plump and may exhibit a pinkish hue.
Is Graptopetalum Rainbow Candy Cold Hardy?
Graptopetalum varieties, including Graptopetalum Rainbow Candy, are not cold-hardy and cannot survive temperatures below 30°F. During winter, I bring them indoors to my greenhouse. Graptopetalum Rainbow Candy prefers cool temperatures, akin to spring and autumn. Early winter temperatures may stress it but can induce richer color changes.
If purchasing succulents in winter, avoid prolonged freezing weather and consider using heat packs during shipping to ensure they arrive safely.
How to Choose Soil for Graptopetalum Rainbow Candy?
Before repotting, I like to prepare my succulent soil mix. For young Graptopetalum Rainbow Candy, I mix 60% Maifanitum Stones with 40% succulent potting soil. This blend ensures nutrition and drainage, a secret to my succulents' rapid growth. For mature succulents, I add 70%-80% Maifanitum Stones to peat soil.
You can also buy commercial succulent and cactus mix, but I highly recommend adding a bag of Maifanitum Stones. These unassuming little rocks serve as soil additives and make excellent top dressing.
Can I Propagate Graptopetalum Rainbow Candy?
Like Graptopetalum 'Purple Delight', Graptopetalum Rainbow Candy is easily propagated from leaves.
Take mature leaves from the bottom of a potted Graptopetalum Rainbow Candy and place them on fresh soil, but refrain from watering initially. Wait until they develop roots and sprout, which may take 7-15 days. As long as the leaves don't rot, they have a chance of successful propagation. During this time, avoid disturbing them.
You might be surprised how many offsets can grow from a single leaf. This is one of Graptopetalum Rainbow Candy's unique features. As they grow, you'll harvest a multi-headed Graptopetalum Rainbow Candy.
Additionally, you can try beheading propagation if you have a mature multi-headed Graptopetalum Rainbow Candy.
How to Deal with Graptopetalum Rainbow Candy Offsets
Once Graptopetalum Rainbow Candy matures, it develops long woody stems as the bottom leaves naturally wither. Come spring, these stems may sprout numerous pups. If they are open enough, let them grow. For overly crowded pups, gently remove some and replant them in separate pots.
It's best to provide some fertilizer in spring to encourage better growth of Graptopetalum Rainbow Candy pups. How do you properly fertilize succulents?
How to Decorate Graptopetalum Rainbow Candy Succulent Trees?
Graptopetalum Rainbow Candy can grow into succulent trees, but it takes time. I prepared a tall pot with cracks at the opening for my Graptopetalum Rainbow Candy. I planted it in the cracks, giving the succulent the appearance of growing on a cliff, which adds an exciting touch.
Finally, I added some top dressing to decorate the pot. After I completed it, I shared it on my social media, which garnered lots of likes from friends.
Final Thoughts
Did you enjoy learning about Graptopetalum Rainbow Candy today? With its sweet colors, cute appearance, and minimal care needs, I highly recommend it to all succulent enthusiasts!
