Sedum mendozae, Graptopetalum mendozae

With its waxy, porcelain-clear leaves, Sedum mendozae is often mistaken for a Graptopetalum and sold under the name Graptopetalum mendozae. Like its cousins graptopetalum paraguayense and quetzalcoatlia superba, the plant belongs to the Crassulaceae family and is native to Mexico.

How to recognize Graptopetalum mendozae or Sedum mendozae?

Graptopetalum mendozae is a succulent plant growing to a height of 15 cm. It has a drooping, tapering or bushy habit when it multiplies and creates offshoots.

The thick, branched, creeping stems measure just half a centimetre in diameter. Cream or grey-green, they bear leaves or leaf scars.

The rosette consists of twelve to seventeen densely intertwined leaves. Those at the base are the widest, measuring up to two centimetres. They become progressively smaller as you move towards the center. Obovate or spatulate, the leaves are fleshy and covered with bloom. Foliage color varies according to heat, humidity and light. It can be cream, green or grey-green.

Sedum mendozae flowers in late winter. The flowers are pure white. They have five petals and resemble stars.

The plant is not toxic. It is harmless to humans and animals in the event of contact or even ingestion. However, it is not edible!

Our maintenance tips

Sedum mendozae can be planted outdoors in regions with mild, dry winters.

Spray

Sedum mendozae grow in arid regions and do not like humidity. No need to spray them.

Repotting

Every spring, repot your Sedum mendozae to give it more space.

Obtain a pierced pot one size larger than the previous one.

Fill the bottom with a very light, draining substrate such as commercially available potting soil for cacti and succulents. Plant your Graptopetalum mendozae in the center and add potting soil. Stop a few centimetres below the rim of the pot to form a watering trough.

Tamp down and wait three or four days for the soil to dry before watering.

Fertilization

Add cactus and succulent fertilizer to watering water.

If you're repotting every year, there's no need to add fertilizer. Your plant will find sufficient nutrients in its substrate.

Prune

Cut the flower stems flush once the flowers have faded, and remove dead leaves as you go along.
Use a clean, sharp tool to prevent the spread of disease and promote healing.

Plantation

Dig a hole slightly larger than the root ball. Plant your Graptopetalum mendozae, taking care not to bury the leaves. Fill in with garden soil.

Cutting

Take a healthy leaf, preferably from the outside of the plant. Leave it to dry for one or two days, until a wedge forms.

Fill a perforated pot with potting soil for cacti and succulents. Place your leaf horizontally on the substrate, without burying it.

Place your cutting in a bright, dry, frost-free spot.

Moisten the soil by spraying it with water. But be careful! Too much water may cause your Graptopetalum mendozae to rot.

Disease / Threat

Aphids

Information

Family	Crassulaceae - Crassulaceae
Type	Orpin - Sedum
Species	Sedum mendozae - Sedum mendozae
Lifecycle	Perennial
Foliage	Evergreen
Exposures	Sun Half-shade
Substrats	Calcareous earth Sandy soil
Planting methods	Open ground In pots In tubs Planter
Category	Succulent
Tags	Beginner Flowery Increvable
Origin	North America
Hardiness (USDA)	9b
Leaf color
Flower color