Graptoveria 'Silver Star'

Description

Graptoveria ‘Silver Star’ makes a compact, star-like rosette of spade-shaped, silvery-green leaves that point to a thread-like tip at each leaf point. A plant that is the result of an intergeneric cross between Graptopetalum filiferum and Echeveria agavoides – it features smooth, pale green leaves with an almost pale border that may deepen in sun and carry a pink-rose, even red, tint at the leaf edges and tips. The result is a symmetrical and perfectly symmetrical rosette that, from a distance, may appear as if it has been lightly painted at the edge in rosy hues.

Graptoveria Silver Star wants a whole lot of sun – at least six hours per day is recommended – coming from locations such as a south-facing window, outdoor patio area, balcony or corner where the sun blasts most of the day long. Its richest ruby to pink hues along the leaf points are a sure indication it is getting enough bright sun; you can successfully grow the plant in less light and expect more of a greens-heavy look, however. Graptoveria Silver Star never reaches much more than a few inches high and has a tendency to stay small and dense; thus, it’s perfect to grow on top of a desk, table or in shallow succulent containers. It's also just the thing for mixed plantings to softly contrast a less distinctive succulent.

Relatively easygoing, drought-hardy houseplant once you figure out a watering cycle that doesn't lead to soggy roots-it much prefers to thoroughly dry out in between. Also a beginner friendly plant for those who are diligent about not over-watering and grows at a somewhat modest speed during warmer weather to offset the star-shaped rosettes that form along the base with time, filling in a shallow mound.

Key Features

• Silvery green leaves edged with cream forms a star shaped rosette
• Fine, hair-like leaf tips that blush pink to red in bright sun
• Low, compact growth habit suited to desks, tabletops, and shallow bowls
• Drought-tolerant succulent that needs only occasional, deep watering
• Considered non-toxic to pets and children
• Grows at a steady pace during the warmer months
• Produces offsets over time, forming a dense clump of rosettes
• Distinctive star-like shape that adds a delicate accent to succulent displays

Care at a Glance

Product Specifications

What's in the Box

• 1 × Live Graptoveria 'Silver Star' plant
• 1 × Pot (Bare-rooted/Pot: Optional)
• Potting mix
• Basic care guide

Important Notes

• Each plant is a living thing, so natural variation in rosette shape, tip colour, and leaf margins is normal
• Pink and red tones along the leaf tips depend on light exposure; plants kept in lower light will look mostly green
• Some minor leaf bruising or drop during transit is normal for succulents and the plant usually recovers within a couple of weeks
• Avoid direct, harsh afternoon sun right after unboxing; let the plant acclimatise gradually to its new spot
• This plant does not like to be overwatered so only ever water once the soil is completely dry
• Rotate the pot occasionally if grown indoors, so the rosette gets even light and grows in a balanced shape

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: I'm not getting much pink colour to the leaf tips on my Graptoveria Silver Star. 

A: Bright light is essential for those beautiful pinks and reds. Without it, your rosette will likely be more silvery-green, with little colour on the tips of leaves. Put it where it can get at least 6 hours of strong, direct sun every day, and you should start seeing that pretty pink blush after about a week or two.

Q: When should I water this plant? 

A: When the soil becomes bone dry throughout, give it a drink-you’ll only do this with one full soaking at a time, every 1-2 weeks through the growing season and much less often in the dormant season, depending on your climate/pot size. Check the soil.

Q: Can this Silver Star plant be grown in the home?

A: Yes, although this particular plant will need bright light. Try a south facing window for several hours of sunshine a day. If natural indoor light is limited a grow light can keep the rosette tighter as well as improving its overall colour.

Q: What's the growth speed of this plant?

A: This particular Graptoveria grows moderately steadily; in its season of greatest activity - namely during the hotter summer days, it produces new pups at its base, so over a long time, a mound that grows rather flat to the ground can form.

Q: When is it time to re-pot a plant? 

A: It’s not particularly demanding about being re-potted, and once every two or three years may be sufficient or once Offset plants are filling up. Re-pot a plant in a freely draining container in the spring or summer months.

Q: Can my pets eat it safely?

A: This succulent is nontoxic for animals and children. However, I do recommend placing it outside of the reach of any pets who enjoy nibbling on leaves, and always see the vet if there's any doubt whatsoever if they consumed part of it.