Graptopetalum paraguayense ssp. bernalense Monstrose – Succulent Cutting
What you will receive
This listing is for one generous head cutting. You will normally receive one healthy cutting similar in overall size and quality to the single cuttings shown in images 2 onward. Multiple cuttings are pictured to demonstrate the natural variation in shape, colour and growth of this unusual monstrose form.
Where a suitably large single cutting is not available, we may occasionally supply two smaller cuttings of approximately equivalent overall value instead. The image showing two cuttings illustrates the approximate size that may be supplied in this instance. This is an alternative only; the listing is for one cutting unless two smaller cuttings are supplied in its place.
The first image is for display only and shows a mature plant approximately two years old that has been lightly trimmed and shaped as it has developed. It demonstrates the compact, irregular branching and clustered growth this form can produce with time.
About Graptopetalum paraguayense ssp. bernalense Monstrose
Graptopetalum paraguayense ssp. bernalense Monstrose is an unusual and rarely encountered form distinguished by irregular growth, distorted rosettes and fascinating streaked foliage. Rather than forming the consistently symmetrical rosettes associated with many Graptopetalum, its leaves and growing points can develop unpredictably, giving each plant its own distinctive sculptural character.
Colour is equally variable. Individual plants and growing points can range from soft powdery blue and blue-green through pale pink and mauve to considerably deeper reddish-purple and plum tones. A bluish cast remains noticeable through many of these colour phases, while the naturally powdery surface gives the foliage a soft, muted appearance. The mature plant in the first image demonstrates the paler blue, pink and purple end of this range, while several of the cutting images show the richer red-purple colouring that can also develop.
Leaf shape and markings can vary considerably from one growing point to another. Some leaves are relatively broad and rounded while others develop more distorted or irregular forms. Longitudinal streaks and bands may extend along the foliage, with some leaves displaying broader contrasting areas and others much finer striations. This combination of variable colour, markings and monstrose growth means that no two plants develop in exactly the same way.
The plant has traditionally been grown under the name Graptopetalum paraguayense ssp. bernalense, although current botanical treatment recognises the underlying species as Graptopetalum bernalense. The species is native to Tamaulipas in north-eastern Mexico, where it occurs naturally in rocky habitats and crevices. The monstrose form offered here is a cultivated growth form of this species.
Compact, slower-growing form
In our nursery we have found this monstrose form to be noticeably slower growing than the regular form of the plant. It develops gradually, with irregular branching and new growing points building up over time rather than rapidly producing a large specimen. The mature display plant in image 1 is approximately two years old and gives a useful indication of the attractive compact structure that can develop with patience.
Occasional trimming can also be used to shape an established plant and encourage a more compact, branching specimen. The resulting material propagates readily from suitable stem cuttings, allowing the unusual characteristics of the parent plant to be continued.
Growing from Cuttings
Before planting, check that the cut end of the stem has dried and formed a firm callus. Once sufficiently callused, plant into a free-draining succulent mix, positioning the stem deeply enough to hold the cutting securely without burying the lower leaves.
Keep newly planted cuttings relatively dry while roots begin to develop, introducing water gradually rather than keeping the growing medium continuously moist. Once established, provide plenty of bright light to encourage compact growth and good colour. Protection from intense afternoon summer sun can be beneficial during very hot Australian conditions, particularly for newly rooted material.
As the cutting establishes, new growth may continue to develop the irregular leaves, branching, colour and unusual markings characteristic of this form. Because monstrose growth is inherently variable, each propagated plant can develop somewhat differently as it matures.