I write this as a guide to identifying succulents that are often confused with each other. This is intended to be a reference when commenting on misidentified succulents in the plant photos database. Misidentification among succulents is prevalent due to the sheer number of similar looking species and hybrids. It is common even among well-known nurseries, which may sell misidentified plants.
I will try to cover some of the more common cases of misidentification in this article, including the misidentification of Graptopetalum paraguayense, xGraptosedum hybrids, Sedum burrito/morganianum, and xSedeveria hybrids.
Graptopetalum paraguayense is commonly confused with xGraptosedum 'Ghosty' and other xGraptosedum hybrids. Both xGraptosedum 'Ghosty' and Graptopetalum paraguayense go by the common name of "ghost plant," which only further leads to the confusion. The true Graptopetalum paraguayense has greyish-purplish leaves, which are often thinner than those of any xGraptosedum hybrid. The leaves meet at a distinct point at the end of the leaves. The edges of the leaves are often sharper and less rounded compared to xGraptosedum hybrids. Leaves are more spathulate than those of xGraptosedum hybrids, and are often less glaucous. One of the sure-fire ways to distinguish Graptopetalum paraguayense from the numerous xGraptosedum hybrids is its flowers. The flowers of Graptosedum paraguayense are white with specks of red.
For more details onf Graptopetalum paraguayense, see: https://www.crassulaceae.ch/de...
xGraptosedum 'Ghosty' can be distinguished from Graptopetalum paraguayense by its leaves, which blush pink and orange. The leaves are more rounded, and the leaf edges are thicker. The leaves are covered in a thick layer of farina. The flower color of xGraptosedum 'Ghosty' is yellow. It is believed to be a hybrid between Graptopetalum paraguayense and an unknown Sedum species.
More information on xGraptosedum 'Ghosty' can be found here:
https://www.crassulaceae.ch/de...
Graptopetalum paraguayense is sometimes confused with other xGraptosedum hybrids, including 'Bronze', 'Golden glow', 'Francesco Baldi', and 'California Sunset'. Paraguayense can be distinguished based on its colors, grey and purple, while xGraptosedum hybrids often come in pastel pinks, oranges, and reds.
xGS 'Bronze' is easily identified by its rusty brown coloration. The developing flowers blush a reddish orange, and the petals are white.
xGS 'Golden Glow' is also sold as Sedum 'Golden Glow' or Sedum adolphii 'Golden Glow'. The leaves range from a lime green color to bright yellows and oranges in full sun.
xGS 'Francesco Baldi' has longer, more slender leaves than most other xGS hybrids. The leaves are often a tan orange-pink. The flower color is yellow.
xGS 'California Sunset' has bright orange to red leaves. The leaf shape is similar to that of xGS 'Golden Glow'.
Sedum burrito is often mistaken as Sedum morganianum and xSedeveria 'Harry Butterfield'. All three of these are sold as "Burro's tail." xSedeveria 'Harry Butterfield' is sometimes sold as "super burro's tail." Meanwhile, Sedum burrito is also sold as "baby burro's tail." Sedum burrito is smaller than both morganianum and xSedeveria 'Harry Butterfield'. Its leaves are rounded at the end, and tightly packed together. Flowers are red.
For more information on Sedum Burrito, see:
https://www.crassulaceae.ch/de...
Sedum morganianum has droopy pointed leaves, which are between the leaves of Sedum burrito and xSedeveria 'Harry Butterfield'.
The leaves are more sparsely spaced. Flowers are red.
For more information on Sedum morganianum see:
https://www.crassulaceae.ch/de...
xSedeveria 'Harry Butterfield' has longer leaves that meet in distinct points. It is a hybrid of Sedum morganianum x Echeveria derenbergii. Flowers are cream colored.
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