Project Description
Graptopetalum paraguayense
“Ghost Plant,” “Mother of Pearl”
This Graptopetalum has beautiful trailing rosettes, perfect for a hanging pot. When grown in full sun, these Graptopetalums will turn yellow-pink, however in shade it will be bluish-grey.
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Quick Look:
Full sun to partial shade
- Typical water needs for a succulent
Rosettes grow up to 4″ (10 cm) wide
Plant can grow to 1 foot (30 cm) and trail up to 3 feet (91 cm) long
Zone 9a (Minimum 20° F | -6° C)
Not cold hardy
Propagation by leaves and cuttings
Generally non-toxic to humans and animals
Summer Dormant
Also available from Leaf and Clay.
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Care and Propagation Information
General Care for Graptopetalum paraguayense “Ghost Plant”
It’s easy to mistake the “Ghost Plant” for an Echeveria. Although they are related, Ghost Plant stands out on its own. Look for small yellow flowers in the spring.
Watering
Graptopetalum should be watered using the “soak and dry” method. Be sure that the soil is completely dry after watering to avoid root rot and pests.
Where to Plant
Ghost Plant should be planted in well-draining soil. Place in an area of your garden that receives full sun. If growing indoors, it tends to stretch quickly.
Fertilizing
This succulent should be fertilized in the early spring, when its growing season begins.
Pairs Well With
Kalanchoe luciae ‘Paddle Plant’
It also makes a great addition to a trailing container or rock garden.
How to Propagate Graptopetalum paraguayense “Ghost Plant”
Ghost Plant is easily propagated by leaves or cuttings.
Leaves
To propagate Graptopetalum from leaves, twist a leaf from the mother plant. Be sure that none of the leaf remains on the stem, or you will have a smaller chance of success.
Allow the leaf to dry out for several days so that the end callouses over, and then place on well-draining soil. Water whenever the soil is completely dry.
Ghost Plant will also drop leaves and propagate on its own, making it an easy plant for those just beginning with propagation.
Cuttings
To propagate Ghost plant from cuttings, use a sharp, sterile knife or pair of scissors and cut a piece of the plant just above a leaf on the stem. Allow it to dry for a couple of days, and place in well-draining soil.
Commonly Mistaken For
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Can the ghost plant be planted outdoors in UK ? Will it survive our winter? I keep reading different answers thank you for any help/advice ?
How cold does it get in your growing zone in the UK? I know you guys have some pretty wet winters, so that would be the trick. You don’t want it to get too wet, but if it stays about -6° C, you should be able to keep it outdoors.
Hi,
The Ghost Plant … is this supposed to be the “EDIBLE” succulent?
I always here somethin’ like this from my friends who’ve been to Taiwan.
Anybody can vouch to this being edible?
Thanks.
Graptopetalum paraguayense “Ghost Plant” is generally considered non-toxic, but we are unaware of its use as an edible succulent.
Thanks SST.
I had my doubts too.
But when I went shopping for pantry supplies (in Singapore), I found this in the grocery >> https://i.imgur.com/GFOGuGZ.jpg
The shop attendant told me they are the exact edible once found in Taiwan’s street food.
Anyway, I just bought 1 pack to propagate via leaves.
It’s kinda expensive … but worth to try, right?
Thanks again.
Totally worth a try! Keep us updated and let us know how it goes! 🙂
Hi,
How to I get my ghost plant to trail? Do I have to train it or will it do it on its own?
As it grows and propagates new rosettes, it will begin to trail on its own.
CAN IT BE REPOTTED AS IT GROWS??
Yep!
Ghost Plants are very cold hardy. They have taken down to 12°F with almost no damage. I’ve had mine outside in an overflowing pot for over four years. I’ve never covered or brought them inside. I live in Austin Texas where they have taken temperatures from 12°F to 112°F in part shade with no issues. I wish all my plans were this easy to take care of.
It’s so great you’ve had such success with these plants! 🙂
Is this plant summer dormant or winter dormant? The dormancy bullet in the Quick Look section says “Summer Dormant” but the Fertilizing section says “ This succulent should be fertilized in the early spring, when its growing season begins”, so I’m a bit confused. Thanks!
Sorry for the confusion! It is Summer dormant, but grows in the Spring and Fall. You can fertilize in the Fall if that is better timing for you.