Project Description
Graptopetalum paraguayense
“Ghost Plant,” “Mother of Pearl”
Quick Look:
Full sun to partial shade
Not suited for indoor growing
- 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
Actively grows during Spring and Fall
Also available from: Etsy
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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.
From readers like you…
I received one from my husband’s grandmother two years ago and I had neglected it up until this spring, when I went to repot everything. Since then, it has really changed shape and color! (left is before and right is now) Can’t figure out how to get any of my ghosties compact like this one was.
I love them!!!
Im trying soooo hard to keep mine alive
Just got it a grow light 2 days ago hoping to save it.
This is my DREAM PLANT i want a huge over flowing pot full
?
I have a lot of them, I think they just tend to stretch more than other succulents. Even mine in full sun are leggy.
Mine! Love them.
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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!