The Graptosedum ‘Francesco Baldi’ succulent, known as ‘Sunrise Succulent’ or ‘California Sunset’, offers striking visual appeal with its rosette formation and leaves displaying hues from green to pink, orange, and purple. This hybrid, a cross between Graptopetalum and Sedum species, is popular due to its vibrant coloration and straightforward care. Its ability to intensify colors under certain conditions, coupled with its compact, slow-growing nature, makes it a favored addition to indoor and outdoor settings.
Essential Care Requirements
Providing the right light is important for the ‘Sunrise Succulent’ to display its best colors. It thrives in bright, indirect light, ideally receiving at least five to six hours daily. Placing it near a south or west-facing window for filtered sunlight is beneficial. While direct sun enhances vibrant pink and orange tones, prolonged intense exposure can lead to scorching. Insufficient light causes the plant to stretch and lose its compact form, a condition known as etiolation, where the plant appears pale and elongated.
Watering practices are fundamental to the ‘Sunrise Succulent’s’ health. The “soak and dry” method is recommended: thoroughly water until it drains from the pot, then allow the soil to dry completely before the next watering. Overwatering is a common issue leading to root rot. Checking soil moisture deeply, not just the surface, prevents this. Adjust watering frequency seasonally; the plant requires less water during dormant winter months than its active growing season.
Proper soil mix and drainage are necessary. A well-draining succulent or cactus mix is recommended, often containing perlite or pumice, ensuring excess water escapes easily. This prevents water from sitting around the roots. A custom blend with 50% to 70% mineral grit, such as coarse sand, pumice, or perlite, promotes aeration and drainage. Adequate drainage holes in the pot are equally important.
Temperature affects the ‘Sunrise Succulent’. This succulent prefers temperatures between 60°F and 85°F (15°C to 29°C). It is not frost-hardy and should be protected from temperatures below 30°F (-1.1°C). In regions with colder winters, grow ‘Sunrise Succulents’ in containers so they can be moved indoors before cold weather.
Ongoing Maintenance
Fertilizing the ‘Sunrise Succulent’ is simple, as these plants are not heavy feeders. Apply a diluted succulent-specific or balanced liquid fertilizer once or twice during its active growing season, in spring or summer. Over-fertilization can harm the plant, so use a diluted solution. Some growers fertilize once a year during spring.
Repotting may be needed as the succulent grows or its soil becomes depleted. Repot when the plant appears root-bound, or if the soil needs refreshing. Select a pot slightly larger than the previous one with drainage holes. Gently remove the plant, being careful not to damage the roots, and place it in the new pot with fresh, well-draining succulent soil.
Propagating Your Sunrise Succulent
Propagating the ‘Sunrise Succulent’ is achieved through leaf or stem cuttings. For leaf propagation, gently twist a healthy leaf from the main stem, ensuring a clean break. Allow the leaf to dry and form a callus, a protective scab, for one to two days before placing it on well-draining soil. This callusing prevents rot when the leaf is introduced to moisture.
For stem cuttings, use a clean, sharp knife or scissors to cut a stem section with a few leaves attached. Similar to leaf cuttings, allow the stem cutting to callus for several days before placing it on top of or slightly inserted into well-draining soil. After callusing, place the cuttings on or in the soil and avoid immediate watering. Once roots form, which can take several weeks, begin to lightly water the soil. New growth emerges from the base of the leaf or the stem cutting.
Common Problems and Solutions
Overwatering is a common issue, leading to root rot. Symptoms include mushy leaves, particularly at the base, and blackening of the stems. To address this, adjust watering frequency, allowing the soil to dry completely between waterings, and ensure the plant is in well-draining soil with adequate drainage holes.
Conversely, underwatering causes leaves to appear wrinkled, shriveled, or flattened. This indicates the plant is drawing moisture from its leaves. A thorough watering resolves this, with leaves plumping up again within a day or two.
Insufficient light results in etiolation, causing the plant’s stems to stretch and leaves to become sparse and pale. Move the plant to a brighter location with more indirect sunlight for compact, colorful growth.
‘Sunrise Succulents’ can encounter pests like mealybugs. These small, white, cottony insects are found in leaf crevices. Dab pests directly with a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol to eliminate them without harming the plant.