How to Grow and Care for Vera Higgins Succulent
Understand the needs of the Vera Higgins succulent to encourage its signature color-changing foliage and maintain a compact, healthy form.
Understand the needs of the Vera Higgins succulent to encourage its signature color-changing foliage and maintain a compact, healthy form.
The x Graptosedum ‘Vera Higgins’ is a popular succulent hybrid, a cross between Graptopetalum paraguayense and Sedum stahlii. Often called ‘Bronze’ or ‘Alpenglow’, this plant is known for its fleshy, pointed leaves that form rosettes. A captivating feature is its ability to change colors, shifting from green to shades of rosy pink and deep bronze depending on environmental conditions. Its ease of care makes it a fantastic choice for new succulent growers.
The intensity and duration of light exposure directly influence the foliage color of the ‘Vera Higgins’. To achieve the desirable deep bronze and reddish tones, the plant requires substantial light, ideally four to eight hours of direct sun daily. For indoor growers, placing the plant near a south-facing window is effective. While it tolerates full sun, in extremely hot climates, some protection from intense midday sun can prevent leaf burn.
Proper soil is fundamental for the health of this succulent, which is susceptible to root rot if left in standing water. A well-draining succulent or cactus potting mix is the recommended choice for container growing. These mixes contain larger particles like perlite, pumice, or coarse sand, which create air pockets and allow water to filter through quickly. The pot must have drainage holes to allow excess water to escape freely.
This plant has low water requirements. The most effective watering technique is the “soak and dry” method. This involves watering the plant thoroughly, allowing water to run out of the drainage holes, and then letting the soil dry out completely before the next watering. Overwatering is a common issue and can be identified if the leaves begin to fall off or the stem becomes mushy. During the winter dormant period, watering should be reduced significantly.
‘Vera Higgins’ prefers average room temperatures between 65-75°F (18-24°C). It can tolerate high heat, up to around 100°F (38°C), making it suitable for warm climates. It is not frost-tolerant and is considered hardy in USDA zones 10a and above, meaning it can withstand minimum temperatures of about 30°F (-1.1°C). In regions with cold winters, it is best to grow this succulent in containers that can be moved indoors.
Fertilizing is not a strict requirement for this hardy succulent, but it can encourage more robust growth. During the active growing seasons of spring and summer, a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half-strength can be applied about once a month. It is important to avoid fertilizing during the winter months when the plant’s growth naturally slows down. Applying fertilizer to dry soil can burn the roots, so it is best to water the plant before feeding it.
Propagating ‘Vera Higgins’ is a straightforward process, allowing gardeners to easily multiply their collection or create new plants from a single parent. The two most common and effective methods are through leaf cuttings and stem cuttings.
To propagate with a leaf, gently twist a healthy, plump leaf from the stem, ensuring a clean break at the base. The detached leaf should then be placed in a dry, shaded area for several days to allow the cut end to form a callus, which prevents it from absorbing too much water and rotting. Once callused, the leaf can be laid on top of a well-draining succulent soil mix. After a few weeks, tiny roots and a new rosette will begin to sprout from the callused end.
Another reliable method is using stem cuttings, which is also an excellent way to rejuvenate a plant that has become “leggy” or stretched. Using clean scissors or shears, cut a section of the main stem that includes a rosette at the top. Allow the cut end of the stem to dry and callus over for a few days to a week to prevent rot. After the callus has formed, the cutting can be inserted directly into a pot with fresh, well-draining soil. Wait about a week before watering to give the new roots time to form.
One of the most frequent issues encountered when growing ‘Vera Higgins’ is etiolation, or legginess. This condition is characterized by stems that are stretched out with large gaps between the leaves, and it occurs when the plant is not receiving enough light. The solution is simple: move the plant to a location where it can receive more direct sunlight.
Root rot is another common problem, caused by overwatering or soil that does not drain properly. The signs include mushy, blackened roots and a soft, decaying stem base. To save a plant with root rot, you must act quickly by removing it from its pot, cutting away all the rotted, dark parts of the roots and stem with a sterile knife, and allowing the healthy remainder to dry for a few days before repotting in fresh, dry succulent mix.
Pests can occasionally bother ‘Vera Higgins’, with mealybugs and aphids being the most likely culprits. These sap-sucking insects can cause leaves to yellow and wilt. For small infestations, dabbing the pests with a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol is an effective treatment. For larger outbreaks, spraying the plant with insecticidal soap or neem oil can manage the problem.