Follow the Graptosedum ‘Daruma Shu-rei’ Care guide and include this low-maintenance succulent in your plant collection.
In this guide, we’ll be exploring the ins and outs of Graptosedum ‘Daruma Shu-rei’ Care, a beautiful and popular succulent. Whether you’re a seasoned plant enthusiast or new to the hobby, we’ll provide you with all the information you need to keep your plant healthy and thriving.
Common Names: ×Graptosedum ‘Daruma Shu-rei’
Botanical Name: ×Graptosedum ‘Daruma Shu-rei’ Synonyms Graptopetalum ‘Daruma Shu-rei,’ Graptopetalum ‘Ellen’
USDA Zones: 9a-11b
×Graptosedum ‘Daruma Shu-rei’
The intergeneric hybrid ×Graptosedum ‘Daruma Shu-rei’ is a beautiful succulent that forms rosettes of chubby leaves at the end of decumbent or pendent, basally branched stems. It possibly originated from a cross between Graptopetalum amethystinum and Sedum clavatum, but its parentage is unknown. The leaves, which are gray-green with a powdery coating, grow up to 3.2 inches (8 cm) in diameter and turn pink when stressed.
In spring, star-shaped flowers with yellowish petals, sometimes with red spots, appear in clusters on short, branched stalks. This plant clearly belongs to the Sedum family, as it has a sprawling habit and inflorescences with shorter branches than those of Graptopetalum.
How to Propagate Graptosedum ‘Daruma Shu-rei’
Stem cuttings are the most straightforward method of propagating ×G. ‘Daruma Shu-rei.’ It can also propagate easily from leaves. If a leaf falls off, it rapidly takes root beneath the parent plant and generates a new rosette. The optimal time to take cuttings is during the spring and summer seasons.
Growing Needs of Graptosedum ‘Daruma Shu-rei’
Light
For optimal growth, Graptosedum ‘Daruma Shu-rei’ requires sunlight, so it is advisable to select a spot that receives full sun. However, if it is placed in partial shade, it can still grow, but its appearance may become somewhat rangy. Therefore, if grown as a houseplant, it should be positioned near a sunny window to receive adequate light.
Soil
To maintain a healthy root system, good drainage is essential for the plant. When planting Graptosedum ‘Daruma Shu-rei’ in a container, use a well-draining soil mixture and a pot with holes for drainage.
Watering
If you are planting Graptosedum ‘Daruma Shu-rei’ outdoors in full sun, it will benefit from receiving weekly watering during the summer.
As the weather cools down in spring and fall, the frequency of watering can be reduced to every 10 to 14 days. For potted plants, it is advisable to avoid giving them small amounts of water at random intervals.
Instead, water the plant thoroughly until water flows out of the drainage holes, and wait for the soil to dry out entirely before watering again.
Tip: During winter, it is recommended to water the plant just enough to prevent it from withering.
Temperature
Although Graptosedum ‘Daruma Shu-rei’ can thrive in hot weather, it experiences the most active growth during spring and fall.
It can tolerate temperatures as low as 20 °F (-6.7 °C), making it suitable for USDA Plant Hardiness Zones 9a to 11b, with temperature ranges of 20 to 50 °F (-6.7 to 10 °C).
Graptosedum ‘Daruma Shu-rei’ Care
Fertilizer
To encourage healthy growth and flower production, apply fertilizer during the active growing season of Graptosedum ‘Daruma Shu-rei.’ Diluting a water-soluble fertilizer to half the recommended strength is commonly used for this purpose.
Repotting
Frequent repotting is not necessary for Graptosedum ‘Daruma Shu-rei.‘ It is advisable to repot the plant when it has exceeded the capacity of its current container and move it to a slightly larger pot with fresh potting mix.
After repotting, allow the plant to adjust for about a week before watering it.
Toxicity of Graptosedum ‘Daruma Shu-rei’
×G. ‘Daruma Shu-rei’ is commonly non-toxic to both humans and animals.
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