Ghost Plant
Graptopetalum paraguayense
A spreading succulent with fleshy, pointed leaves arranged in rosettes. The leaves typically have a grayish-white or pale blue-green hue with a powdery coating called farina.
- Light
- Full sun to partial shade; at least 6 hours of direct sunlight is ideal for vibrant colors.
- Water
- Low watering needs; soak soil and let dry completely. Overwatering causes root rot and leaf drop.
- Growth
- Perennial succulent; creeping or trailing stems that can reach 12 inches long. Rosettes are 3-5 inches wide.
Care instructions
Requires bright light to maintain its compact shape and color. Water thoroughly only when the soil is completely dry. Use a well-draining cactus mix and fertilize sparingly during the growing season.
Growing details
Sunlight
Full sun to partial shade; at least 6 hours of direct sunlight is ideal for vibrant colors.
Watering
Low watering needs; soak soil and let dry completely. Overwatering causes root rot and leaf drop.
Soil
Gritty, well-draining succulent or cactus potting mix. Prefers neutral to slightly acidic pH.
Hardiness zone
9a to 11b; can tolerate brief touches of frost but should be protected from hard freezes.
Growth habit
Perennial succulent; creeping or trailing stems that can reach 12 inches long. Rosettes are 3-5 inches wide.
Bloom season
Spring; produces small, star-shaped white flowers with red spots.
Propagation
Extremely easy to propagate via leaf cuttings, stem cuttings, or offsets (pups).
Common pests & issues
Mealybugs and aphids; root rot due to overwatering; leggy growth (etiolation) due to lack of sunlight.
Similar species
Echeveria species (which have tighter rosettes and different flower shapes) and Pachyphytum (which has rounder, fatter leaves).