Graptopetalum rusbyi aka San Francisco River Leatherpetal

Graptopetalum rusbyi is a perennial succulent in the stonecrop family. Its common names include leatherpetals and San Francisco River leatherpetal. Its native range spans Arizona, New Mexico, and northwestern Mexico. It grows among rocks and on steep canyon slopes. Shaded cliffs and north-facing slopes provide some of its habitat. Plants often grow near streams that flow in season. The Xami hairstreak butterfly uses it as its sole larval host.

The plant forms dense mats of flat leaf rosettes. Garden rosettes can reach about 0.33 feet [0.10 metres] across. Wild rosettes span about 0.07–0.20 feet [0.02–0.06 metres]. Each holds between ten and fifty thick leaves. Short stems branch beneath the rosettes. The leaves range from pale green through red to violet. Their shapes vary from egg-shaped to narrow or diamond-shaped. Each leaf ends in a fine point. Tiny papillae form bumps on the otherwise hairless surface. These bumps occur on the upper leaf, edges, and keel.

Flower stalks rise above the leaves in late spring. In the wild, bloom runs from April through June. Pink or violet stalks bear loose, branched flower clusters. Stalks reach about 0.33–0.59 feet [0.10–0.18 metres] tall. Some reach 0.66 feet [0.20 metres]. The pale flowers may look white, greenish, or yellow-white. Their petals have yellow bases, red marks, and red tips. Most flowers have six or seven petals. Despite their small size, the flowers have an unpleasant smell.

Grow this plant in light shade with freely draining soil. It suits containers and can grow on a windowsill. It tolerates heat and drought, but its water needs change. Let the soil dry between summer and winter waterings. During spring and autumn growth, water once the soil dries. It needs more water then than many other succulents. Dry air also helps keep it healthy. Soggy soil can cause root rot. Damp winter air can cause rot even in dry soil.

Avoid freezing conditions, though plants may recover after freezing. Flowering needs a cool spell of at least one month. Keep temperatures at 15°C or below during that spell. Feed once in early spring at one-quarter label strength. Offsets and single leaves offer simple ways to raise plants. Root them in sand or dry vermiculite. Detached rosettes and fallen leaves can also form new plants. Its low mats and marked flowers give interest in containers.