Graptopetalum paraguayense, commonly known as the “Ghost Plant” or “Mother of Pearl,” is a succulent plant renowned for its beautiful rosettes and easy-care nature. Its unique coloration and structure make it a favorite among succulent enthusiasts.
Graptopetalum paraguayense features rosettes of fleshy, opalescent leaves that can vary in color from pale blue to light pink, depending on sun exposure and environmental conditions. The leaves are thick, flat, and slightly pointed at the tips, often arranged in a spiral pattern.
Native: This plant is native to Tamaulipas, Mexico, where it grows on rocky outcroppings and in the cracks of stone walls, showcasing its ability to thrive in harsh, arid environments. It belongs to the Crassulaceae family, commonly known as the stonecrop family. This family includes a diverse range of succulent plants such as Crassula, Kalanchoe, Aeonium, Echeveria, Sedum, and Sempervivum. These plants are well-known for their water-storing leaves and ability to thrive in dry, rocky environments.
Plant Type and Habit: Graptopetalum paraguayense is a perennial succulent with a sprawling habit. The small rosettes grow at the tips of ever-lengthening stems, that become pendant over time and cascade beautifully. It typically grows as ground cover or spills beautifully from containers and hanging baskets.
Size: The Ghost Plant generally reaches a height of about 8-12 inches and can spread extensively sideways, about 2 to 3 feet (60-90 cm), with individual rosettes growing about 4-6 inches (10-15 cm) in diameter. Vigorous, the Ghost Plant offsets readily and will eventually create a low spreading colony.
Flowers: In spring, it produces dainty sprays of star-shaped yellow flowers. They grow on arching, up to 12-inch (30 cm) long inflorescences that extend beyond the foliage.
Foliage: The foliage’s pearlescent hue offers significant ornamental value, with the leaf color ranging from pinkish-yellow in hot, dry conditions and turning blue-gray in partial shade.
Hardiness: Graptopetalum paraguayense is hardy in USDA zones 8 to 11. It can withstand temperatures down to about 20°F (-6°C) but prefers warmer climates. The Ghost Plant thrives in heat.
Uses: Commonly used in rock gardens, succulent gardens, and as ground cover. Its trailing habit makes it ideal for hanging baskets and as a spiller plant in mixed containers.
Wildlife: This plant does not specifically attract wildlife but may host small insects.
Toxicity: Graptopetalum paraguayense is non-toxic to both pets and humans, making it a safe choice for households with animals and children.
Deer and Rabbits: The plant is resistant to deer due to its thick, succulent leaves, which are not preferred by these animals.
Drought: Once established, it has excellent drought tolerance and needs only occasional watering. This makes it suitable for xeriscaping and low-water gardens.
Invasiveness: It is not considered invasive. While it spreads readily, it does so without overwhelming other plants or escaping cultivation.
Benefits: Graptopetalum paraguayense is extremely easy to care for, requiring minimal maintenance. It helps fill in landscaping gaps and can thrive in poor soil, reducing the need for fertilizers.
Light: The Ghost Plant thrives in bright light, which enhances the colors of its leaves. It can tolerate full sun to partial shade. Best color is obtained in full sun. In very hot climates, provide afternoon shade to prevent sunburn.
Soil: Use a well-draining cactus or succulent potting mix to prevent water retention around the roots, which could cause rot. If preparing your own mix, combine standard potting soil with perlite, coarse sand, or pumice at a ratio of 1:1 to ensure good drainage.
Water: Water your Ghost Plant when the soil has dried out completely. During the growing season (spring and summer), this may mean watering once a week or every other week, depending on environmental conditions. Reduce watering in the winter when the plant is dormant.
Fertilizer: Fertilize sparingly, using a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer diluted to half strength. Apply the fertilizer once in the spring and once in mid-summer during the active growing period.
Pruning: Pruning is not typically necessary for the Ghost Plant, but you may wish to trim it to maintain a desired shape or remove damaged leaves. Use clean, sharp scissors to make any cuts.
Propagation: The Ghost Plant can be easily propagated by leaf cuttings or offsets. Simply remove a leaf from the stem, let it callous over for a few days, and then place it on top of a soil mix where it will eventually root and form a new plant.
The Ghost Plant is relatively easy to care for but can still encounter some common problems. Addressing these issues promptly will help keep your Ghost Plant healthy and vibrant. Here are the main issues to watch for and how to address them:
Hardiness |
8 - 11 |
---|---|
Heat Zones |
10 - 11 |
Climate Zones | 17, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24 |
Plant Type | Cactus & Succulents |
Plant Family | Crassulaceae |
Common names | Ghost Plant, Mother-Of-Pearl Plant |
Exposure | Full Sun, Partial Sun |
Season of Interest | Spring (Early, Mid, Late), Summer (Early, Mid, Late), Fall, Winter |
Height | 8" - 1' (20cm - 30cm) |
Spread | 2' - 3' (60cm - 90cm) |
Spacing | 24" (60cm) |
Maintenance | Low |
Water Needs | Low |
Soil Type | Loam, Sand |
Soil pH | Acid, Alkaline, Neutral |
Soil Drainage | Well-Drained |
Characteristics | Showy, Evergreen |
Tolerance | Drought, Deer |
Garden Uses | Beds And Borders, Ground Covers, Hanging Baskets, Patio And Containers |
Garden Styles | Gravel and Rock Garden, Mediterranean Garden |
Hardiness |
8 - 11 |
---|---|
Heat Zones |
10 - 11 |
Climate Zones | 17, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24 |
Plant Type | Cactus & Succulents |
Plant Family | Crassulaceae |
Common names | Ghost Plant, Mother-Of-Pearl Plant |
Exposure | Full Sun, Partial Sun |
Season of Interest | Spring (Early, Mid, Late), Summer (Early, Mid, Late), Fall, Winter |
Height | 8" - 1' (20cm - 30cm) |
Spread | 2' - 3' (60cm - 90cm) |
Spacing | 24" (60cm) |
Maintenance | Low |
Water Needs | Low |
Soil Type | Loam, Sand |
Soil pH | Acid, Alkaline, Neutral |
Soil Drainage | Well-Drained |
Characteristics | Showy, Evergreen |
Tolerance | Drought, Deer |
Garden Uses | Beds And Borders, Ground Covers, Hanging Baskets, Patio And Containers |
Garden Styles | Gravel and Rock Garden, Mediterranean Garden |
How many Graptopetalum paraguayense (Ghost Plant) do I need for my garden?
Plant | Quantity | |
---|---|---|
Graptopetalum paraguayense (Ghost Plant) | N/A | Buy Plants |
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Becoming a contributing member of Gardenia is easy and can be done in just a few minutes. If you provide us with your name, email address and the payment of a modest $25 annual membership fee, you will become a full member, enabling you to design and save up to 25 of your garden design ideas.
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