×Graptosedum 'Francesco Baldi'

×Graptosedum 'Francesco Baldi' key facts

Growing Difficulty

Beginner-friendly

Lifespan

Perennial (little published data on lifespan)

Size

Rosettes 10-12 cm across in low colonies about 15 cm tall; leaves up to 6-7 cm

Watering

A little fertiliser in spring

Light & Placement

It adapts to part shade or full sun, and good sun keeps it compact and colourful. Keep it out of prolonged rain. The stems are brittle, so choose a spot and avoid moving it often.

Watering

In spring and autumn water thoroughly once the soil has dried, and water less in summer to avoid stuffiness. From October to March give just enough to keep the leaves from shrivelling; in very humid winters it can rot even when dry.

Temperature & Overwintering

It is fairly hardy and can recover from freezing, but it is safer to avoid frost. To flower it needs at least a month at 15°C or below in winter.

Soil & Repotting

Use a free-draining mix with added grit and repot in March-May.

Propagation

Detached rosettes and fallen leaves root easily, so it is simple to increase by cuttings, leaf cuttings or division.

Pests & Cautions

It has few serious problems, but aphids, scale insects and mealybugs can appear.

About ×Graptosedum 'Francesco Baldi'

Graptosedum 'Francesco Baldi' (秋麗) is a hybrid of Oborozuki and Otome-gokoro with fleshy rosettes that turn blue-gray in part shade, pinkish gray in sun and purple-brown in winter. A beginner-friendly succulent.

7 things to know before growing ×Graptosedum 'Francesco Baldi'

1. 1Give it plenty of light

   Choose a bright spot with good airflow. In full sun the leaves turn pinkish gray, and in part shade the plant still grows but shifts to blue-gray. If it is too dark, the space between leaves tends to stretch, so keep it as bright as you can.

2. 2Water only when dry

   Wait until the soil has dried out completely, then water thoroughly until it runs from the drainage hole. The fleshy leaves store water, so frequent watering can lead to root rot and stuffiness. Water less often in winter and let the soil stay on the dry side.

3. 3Use fast-draining soil

   A well-draining succulent mix is the easiest choice, paired with a pot that has a drainage hole. If you blend your own, add plenty of granular material such as akadama or pumice. Avoid soil that stays wet for long, since it can damage the roots.

4. 4When to repot

   The plant spreads into a low clump, and roots filling the pot are your cue to repot. Moving it to a slightly larger pot in spring or autumn, when it is actively growing, puts the least stress on it. After repotting, wait a few days before watering to help protect the roots.

5. 5Beware summer stuffiness

   Hot, humid summers can leave the plant stuffy, so move it to bright shade with good airflow. Intense midsummer sun can scorch the leaves, so consider shading it. Water sparingly in this season, and do it in the cooler evening hours.

6. 6Winter color and cold care

   As temperatures drop, the leaves turn purple-brown, which is one of this plant's highlights. Keep it away from frost and freezing, and in colder regions bring it under eaves or into a bright indoor spot. Water lightly and let the soil stay fairly dry.

7. 7Choosing a healthy plant

   A good plant has tight rosettes and firm leaves without stretched gaps between them. Leaf color changes with the season and light, so check for soft, mushy leaves, dark spots, or a wobbly base rather than judging by color alone. New small leaves emerging from the center are a sign the plant is actively growing.

Frequently asked questions about ×Graptosedum 'Francesco Baldi'

Q.Can a beginner grow it?

A.Yes, it is listed as beginner-friendly in the plant database. If you provide good light, airflow, and water only after the soil has dried, it is an easy succulent to start with.

Q.Its leaf color is changing. Is it sick?

A.The leaf color of this plant changes with its surroundings: blue-gray in part shade, pinkish gray in sun, and purple-brown in winter. Most of the time this is a natural response to light and season. Leaves that turn mushy, blacken, or melt are a different matter, often pointing to overwatering, so review the placement and watering.

Q.How large does it get?

A.The rosettes reach about 10 to 12 cm across, and the plant grows into a low clump roughly 15 cm tall. Individual leaves grow up to 6 to 7 cm long.

Q.How many years will it live?

A.It is a perennial succulent, but little is documented about its lifespan, so no specific number of years can be given. If the plant loses its shape, you can refresh it by cutting it back and rooting cuttings.

Q.Can I grow it indoors?

A.Yes, if you can offer a bright, airy spot such as a sunny windowsill. With too little light the gaps between leaves stretch and the coloring fades, so giving it some time outdoors in natural light and breeze now and then helps keep it in good shape.

Handy Growing Tools for ×Graptosedum 'Francesco Baldi'

Learn more about ×Graptosedum 'Francesco Baldi' in the encyclopedia

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