About × Graptoveria 'Margaret Rose'
× Graptoveria 'Margaret Rose' is an intergeneric hybrid succulent resulting from crossing Graptopetalum and Echeveria species, celebrated for its rose-like symmetry and chromatic sensitivity. This cultivar forms tight rosettes up to 5 inches wide, with spatulate leaves exhibiting a pearlescent lavender-gray base hue. Under sustained bright light, the foliage develops concentric gradients of dusty rose and lilac, intensifying at the leaf margins. Mature specimens produce arching inflorescences in late spring, bearing bell-shaped flowers with coral-pink petals and lemon-yellow interiors. Its stress-responsive coloration and compact habit make it ideal for ornamental containers and alpine gardens.
How to Care for × Graptoveria 'Margaret Rose'
Light: Provide 5-6 hours of direct morning sun with filtered afternoon light. Intense midday exposure (≥90°F/32°C) may cause photobleaching, while insufficient light induces etiolation. East-facing exposures or 30%-40% shade cloth in USDA zones 9-11 optimize color development.
Water: Employ the "soak-and-dry" method, watering only when the soil is completely dry to 1-inch depth. During active growth (March-October), water every 10-12 days; reduce to monthly in winter. Prevent water retention in leaf axils to avoid crown rot.
Temperature: Maintain temperatures between 60°F-75°F (15°C-24°C) for optimal growth. Brief exposure to 25°F (-4°C) is tolerated when dry, but frost protection is essential. Prolonged heat above 85°F (29°C) requires enhanced airflow and light reduction.
Soil & Potting: Use a porous substrate of 50-60% mineral grit (pumice/perlite) blended with cactus soil. Select shallow pots 1-1.5 inches wider than the rosette diameter. Unglazed terracotta or concrete planters with drainage holes optimize moisture regulation, while light-colored finishes mitigate root zone overheating.
Fertilizer: Apply balanced liquid fertilizer (5-5-5 NPK) diluted to 25% strength monthly during spring and summer. Discontinue feeding during dormancy (November-February) to prevent root burn.
Pests & Disease: Moderately susceptible to mealybugs and aphid infestations. Isolate new plants and treat infestations with insecticidal soap sprays. Root rot from overwatering represents the primary pathological threat, preventable through strict substrate drying cycles.
Propagation: × Graptoveria 'Margaret Rose' propagates best through leaf cuttings with 85-90% success. Select healthy middle leaves, twist off cleanly, and let dry 5-7 days. Place on dry perlite mix at 20° angle. Keep in bright, indirect light (1,500-2,000 lux). Wait 3 weeks for roots before misting lightly. New rosettes form in 2-3 months, with best results in spring.
More Information
Primary color: Lavender-gray
Secondary color: Dusty rose to lilac margins (light-stressed)
Bloom color: Coral-pink petals with yellow interiors
Product format: 4 inch potted plant
Cold hardiness: USDA Zones 9b-11 (25°F/-4°C min briefly)
Suitability: Rock gardens, tabletop terrariums, south-east windowsills
Propagation: Stem cuttings
Special characteristics: Drought-tolerant, deer-resistant, hybrid vigor