Topsy Debbie Lilac Spoons

Topsy Debbie Lilac Spoons (Graptoveria 'Topsy Debbie') is a small rosette succulent with long lilac-grey leaves that end in a rounded, spoon-like tip and carry a powdery coating. It stays under 15cm tall and wide, pups freely, and suits rockeries, pots and bright rooms indoors. The colour deepens in cooler weather.

Why you'll love it

• Lilac and powder-blue colour. A cross between an echeveria and a graptopetalum, it picks up soft lilac-pink tones with a powdery bloom on the leaves.
• Colour that builds in cool weather. The shades intensify during the cooler months, so the plant looks best in autumn and winter.
• Spoon-shaped leaves. The long, slender leaves end in a snub tip, and the exact shape varies from plant to plant.
• It pups freely. Small plants form around the base. Lift and replant them and one plant soon becomes many to share.
• Small and tough. It is drought tolerant once established and compact enough for a teacup or a windowsill.

Where it works best

Pots and bowls. Plant on its own or beside other rosette succulents in a shallow bowl of gritty mix. Keep the pot in bright light.

Rockeries and gravel gardens. Plant 15cm apart in full sun and gritty soil. As pups form, the planting thickens into a mat of lilac rosettes.

Indoors. A bright windowsill keeps the colour strong. It makes a long-lasting little feature plant.

Growing Topsy Debbie Lilac Spoons in Australia

Position and climate. Full sun for maximum health and leaf colour. It suits subtropical, warm temperate, Mediterranean and arid gardens. It is not frost hardy, so in cold winters grow it in a pot that can move under cover, and in wet climates keep it under an eave.

Soil. Well-drained, gritty soil. In a pot, use a succulent and cactus mix with extra grit.

Water and feed. Water regularly until the plant is established, usually around 12 weeks, then do not overwater. Let the mix dry out between drinks.

Pruning. Carefully remove dead old leaves from the base of the rosette. Avoid handling the leaves too much, because touching rubs off the powdery coating that gives the colour.

What to expect when it arrives

We sell Topsy Debbie Lilac Spoons as tube stock, a young plant in an 80mm deep tube that establishes quickly. It arrives as a small plant. Young plants may be green at first and develop their lilac colour as they grow, especially as the weather cools, so do not worry if your plant is greener than the one in the picture.

Our grower supplies the tube stock, and supply is not constant. If the tube shows as sold out, the grower has none at that moment, and the notify button on this page emails you the day it returns.

Plants are delivered Australia wide, with delivery from $29.95. Every plant is covered by our 30 day healthy plant guarantee.

Plant care guides and related reading

• Browse our succulents
• Echeveria range
• Plants for rockeries
• A guide to the world of succulents

Common questions

Why is my plant green instead of lilac?

Young plants may be green and develop colour as they grow. Colour also becomes more intense in the cooler months, and bright light helps.

Does it make new plants?

Yes. It pups freely, and the small plants around the base can be removed and replanted, so one plant soon becomes several.

Is it safe around pets?

Its parent genera, echeveria and graptopetalum, are generally regarded as non-toxic to cats and dogs. Any plant can upset a stomach if chewed, so keep the pot out of reach.