Project Description

  • Graptopetalum paraguayense Ghost Plant - care and propagation information card

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

  • 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

Click here to buy from Mountain Crest Gardens

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…

Kimberly M.

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.

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Jackie M.

They are kind of a vine plant. Mine have been adapted to full sun. They grow slower now, but still have legs. And they are pretty non-demanding about water. Lots. Little. They don’t care.

Jill D.

I have three that are doing well. Two are under a grow light and one is very young and lives right up against the glass in a south window. Too easy.

Gilly J.

I love them!!!

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Alexandra H.

Im trying soooo hard to keep mine alive
Just got it a grow light 2 days ago hoping to save it.Image may contain: plant

Wanda T.

This is my DREAM PLANT i want a huge over flowing pot full?

Olivia D.

I have a few bigger rosettes and some babies. They sit on the front porch under the awning which gets sun from 7-3 (and our summers are 85-90s and humid). They are compact and beautiful.

Casey C.

I have a lot of them, I think they just tend to stretch more than other succulents. Even mine in full sun are leggy.

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Chantile E.

Personally my Ghost plants are becoming more like weeds! I can’t get rid of them all. Definitely the fastest growing succulent I’ve seen so far. I keep all my plants facing south on the ledge of my balcony 4 stories high. Never had a problem trying to grow or propagate these guys

Michelle H.

Mine! Love them.

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