Graptoveria “Opalina”

Intergeneric hybrid Graptoveria ‘Opalina’ produces clusters of tight rosettes of thick, smooth, upright-held pale-blue-green leaves that blush a hint of pink on the leaf tips and margins when grown in bright light.

In late spring come short-branching inflorescences bearing yellow flowers with orange centers.

Plant in full sun in coastal climates to part sun in hotter inland areas.

A hybrid of Graptopetalum amethystinum (lavender pebbles) and Echeveria colorata — two pretty special parents.

Put it in its decorative container or share its juicy riches with a host of other succulents in a dish garden or landscape bed free of severe frosts.

Graptoveria ‘Opalina’ is a great addition to rock gardens or hanging baskets.

As it grows, it spreads out as a small shrub. It is native to Madagascar.

An attractive and durable succulent plant that produces clustes of tight rosettes to 4 to 6 inches wide by 6 to 8 inches tall with thick smooth, upright-held pale blue-green leaves that have a hint of pink tones on the leaf tips and margins when grown in bright light.

In late spring appear the short branching inflorescences bearing yellow flowers that have orange centers.

Plant in full coastal to part sun in a well-drained soil.

Little irrigation required.

Hardy for us to at least 25° F and reported by some to be cold hardy to at least 20° F.

A great plant in the ground or as a container specimen in a bright part sun location – if put in too much shade the plants are a bit leggy and lack pink coloration.

This is a hybrid of Echeveria colorata crossed with Graptopetalum amethystinum that was created by California succulent enthusiast and breeder Robert Grim with the name first published in the Cactus and Succulent Journal in 1988.

It was distributed that same year by the International Succulent Institute as ISI 1853 which noted: “A lovely new cultivar, notable for its highly succulent, pink flushed, bluish leaves that remind one of the shifting colors of opal.

The parents of this hybrid by Robert Grimn are Echeveria colorata var.

Colorata and Graptopetalum amethystinum.”

This cultivar is very similar if not the same as what is sold in the trade labeled ‘Blush’; Blush was another Robert Grim hybrid and sister seedling to ‘Opalina’ and though very similar the actual ‘Blush seems to have slightly plumper leaves.

Tips to take care of the Graptoveria “Opalina”

Substratum

You need a loose and well-drained soil that contains peat and sand to facilitate drainage of the plant.

The substrate must have a good drainage, since these types of plants are very susceptible to excess water because this can rot the roots and cause death to the plant.

It is also advisable to use akadama or picex.

If you can’t get it you can choose to mix universal culture substrate mixed with perlite in equal parts.

How to care for succulents in winter

Watering

As a general rule, Graptoveria “Opalina” should be watered every week or every two weeks during the growing season (summer), depending on the heat and dryness of the air.

Watering decreases in winter.

Temperature

If you live in a cold place, move your succulent plant outside in the sunny months and place it in a window where it receives good lighting.

However, remember that they are not frost resistant.

If the temperature starts to fall below 45º F (7º C), you must move it inside your home.

It is a plant that withstand the cold well, but needs protection against frost and, above all, hailstorms.

Propagation

The Graptoveria “Opalina” can easily be propagated by cuttings, seeds or offsets.

If you want to grow your Graptoveria “Opalina” through cuttings, you only need to remove one blade from the main floor with a sharp knife or scissors.

Then, let the cutting rest for several days before placing it on a floor with good drainage.

And finally, you should only water the new plant, when the soil has dried completely.

If it is through seeds, make sure the temperature is warmer.

Sow the seeds in a soil with good drainage, watering the seeds whenever the soil is dry.

Germination can take several weeks, depending on your growing environment.

The plant will produce small rosette offsets.

You should only cut these offsets from the main stem with a knife or scissors.

Then allow the offsets to dry for a day or two before placing them on a new floor with good drainage.

This plant can also be propagated through a leaf, although the process takes a long time.

Select a leaf for propagation, and gently rotate the leaf from the stem to obtain it with a clean tug, making sure that no part of the leaf remains on the stem.

You should let the leaf become callous for a day or two before placing it on new and well-drained soil.

Transplant

If you sow your Graptoveria “Opalina” in a pot, it is important to transplant it every two years to a larger pot.

If I plant the plant directly in the garden this step is not necessary.