Quetzalcoatlia superba, Graptopetalum superbum
Quetzalcoatlia superba
- Exposures
- Sun, Half-shade
- Hardiness (USDA)
- 10a (-1.1°C ≤ T° < 1.7°C)
- Lifecycle
- Perennial
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Family
- Crassulaceae
- Genus
- Quetzalcoatlia
- Species
- Quetzalcoatlia superba
Other names:Graptopetalum pentandrum subsp. superbum, Graptopetalum superbum
Often sold under the name Graptopetalum superbum, Quetzalcoatlia superba is native to Mexico. Its pale purple, almost pink foliage delights lovers of colorful succulent plants.
How can you identify Graptopetalum superbum (Quetzalcoatlia superba)?
Quetzalcoatlia superba is a succulent plant. It has a creeping growth habit when it has only a single rosette, but becomes upright, even bushy, when it produces offshoots. It can then reach 30 centimeters in height.
The flexible, brown stem can be creeping or erect. It measures only one centimeter in diameter.
The light purple leaves grow in a rosette 15 centimeters in diameter. Obovate in shape, they have a pointed apex. A waxy bloom covers the fleshy, hairless leaf blades.
Quetzalcoatlia superba blooms in the spring. The flowers are borne on a slender flower stalk that can reach up to 40 centimeters in height. With their five petals, they resemble stars, much like those of Sedum mendozae. They are white with red accents.
Whether called Quetzalcoatlia superba or Graptopetalum superbum, the plant is not toxic. You can grow and handle it safely. It poses no danger to humans or animals, even if ingested.
Our care tips
Quetzalcoatlia superba can be planted outdoors in regions with mild, dry winters.
Misting
Quetzalcoatlia superba grow in arid regions and do not like humidity. No need to spray them.
Repotting
In spring, transfer your Quetzalcoatlia superba to a larger pot, so that it can continue to grow.
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 Quetzalcoatlia superba 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
You can feed your Quetzalcoatlia superba with a fertilizer for cacti and succulents.
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.
Use a clean, sharp tool to prevent the spread of disease and promote healing.
Planting
Dig a hole slightly larger than the root ball. Plant your Quetzalcoatlia superba, taking care not to bury the leaves. Fill in with garden soil.
Taking cuttings
Locate a healthy leaf on the outside of the plant. Cut it off at the base with a clean, sharp tool.
Leave it to dry for two days, until a growth forms at the tip.
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 Quetzalcoatlia superba to rot.
Disease / Threat
Information
- Lifecycle
- Perennial
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Exposures
- SunHalf-shade
- Substrates
- Calcareous earthSandy soil
- Planting methods
- Open groundIn potsIn tubsPlanter
- Category
- Succulent
- Tags
- BeginnerFloweryHard to kill
- Origin
- North America
- Hardiness (USDA)
- 10a (-1.1°C ≤ T° < 1.7°C)
- Leaf color
- Violet
- Flower colors
- WhiteRed
Discover plants from the same family
Find out more
Find all our tips in the Monstera application
