Ghost Plant, Mother of Pearl Plant
Graptopetalum Paraguayense
Graptopetalum Paraguayense "Ghost Plant" is a beautiful trailing succulent plant, with pendant, only basally branched stems, and rosettes of flat, fleshy, pointed, and opalescent leaves. The plant grows up to 1 ft (30 cm) and trails up to 3 ft (90 cm) long. The rosettes of Graptopetalum Paraguayense grow up to 4 inches(10 cm) wide and grows at the tips of ever-lengthening stems. Its leaves are grayish-white and warm up to pinkish-yellow in hot and dry condition, and also turns blue-gray in partial shade. Its leaves resemble Echeveria.
Many people thought that it comes from Paraguay as its name is, but it is native to Mexico. In early spring, it produces star-shaped, white in color flowers with red spots.
Details about Graptopetalum Paraguayense "Ghost Plant, Mother of Pearl Plant"
How to Care for Graptopetalum Paraguayense "Ghost Plant"
Graptopetalum paraguayense succulent is a light-loving plant. So place it where it gets enough direct sunlight. It is easy to care for and cool-looking especially in hanging baskets and perfect for rock gardens. It is suited for both beginner growers and pros.
It actively grows in Spring. So do care a little extra in this season. You should also fertilize if possible, especially if growing in a pot. It is dormant in Summer Months. So only water just to keep it alive, otherwise, it won't need moisture.
It is a summer dormant plant and does not require much water in this season, except in excessively dry conditions.
Soil Need for Graptopetalum Paraguayense "Ghost Plant"
Like other succulent plants, Graptopetalum Paraguayense "Ghost Plant" does best in well-draining soil. So you'll also need the same type of soil for it to grow well.
If you need to make your soil, you can check my in-depth guide on preparing the perfect DIY succulent soil for containers.
You can also get the pre-mixed succulent soil from amazon. OR if you need other choices, you can check out my reviews about the top 10 best soil for succulents with a buying guide.
Watering
Graptopetalum Paraguayense "Ghost Plant" requires the typical succulent watering schedule. It is best to water once the soil is totally dry. Otherwise, its roots may rot in wet soil. You can check the soil by putting your finger into the soil about 2.5 inches deep. OR, typically water after 4 to 7 days, depending on your environment conditions. I've mentioned it all in the "How to water succulents" guide.
Fertilizing Graptopetalum Paraguayense
In the active growing season, i.e. in the early Spring, fertilize it slightly with a succulent fertilizer once a month. But as it dormant in the summer months, so hold off on fertilizing in those months.
Known Diseases
Generally Graptopetalum Paraguayense "Ghost Plant" is a "disease-free" succulent. However, if you over-water your succulents and let the water sit in its roots then your succulent will die. So try to never over-water your succulent plant.
Known Bugs
The Graptopetalum Paraguayense may get "mealybugs", "aphids" and "wine weevil". Use an insecticide to prevent your plant from these bugs.
Mealybug appears on plants as tiny, soft-bodied insects surrounded by a fuzzy, white mess around the stems and leaf nodes, that have a cotton-like look to them.
Aphids are sap-sucking insects. If you see small green color insects in a group, in your plant these are aphids. They feed in large groups.
Is it Poisonous?
The Graptopetalum Paraguayense "Ghost Plant" is a non-poisonous and is considered a safe succulent plant.
Where should you Plant it?
If you live in a colder environment, where temperature can go below 20 °F (-6.7 °C), You should plant it in a pot (better with a drainage hole). Because it is not cold hardy and you'll be able to bring it inside in winter.
It grows well in a brighter area where it gets enough direct sunlight.
How to Propagate Graptopetalum Paraguayense "Ghost Plant"
"Ghost Plant" can be propagated by leaves and cuttings.
Propagate by cuttings
To propagate Graptopetalum Paraguayense "Ghost Plant" by cuttings, cut a piece from the main plant, using a sharp knife or pair of scissors. Allow the removed piece to callous over for some days. Then place it in well-draining soil.
Propagate by Leaves
When cutting a leaf for propagation, try to gently twist a leaf from the mother plant as a whole. I.e no part of the leaf should be left on the stem. This is to increase the chance of successful propagation.
After collecting the leaves, callous over for several days. Then place the leaves in well-draining soil. Remember to give water when the soil is completely dry.
"Ghost Plant" also drops leaves and propagate on its own, making it an easy plant for those who are beginners with propagating.
Read more about the watering schedule for babies succulents at the last in how often to water succulents guide.
Where to Buy?
The plant might be available on your local nurseries, and you can easily get it from:
Pairs Well With
- Kalanchoe Luciae 'Paddle Plant'
Graptopetalum Paraguayense Videos
Facts & Features
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1 ft X 3 ft Plant and 4 inches Rosettes Size
This plant grows up to 1 ft (30 cm) tall and 3 ft (90 cm) wide and Rosettes grows up to 4 inches(10 cm) wide.
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Grows in Spring, Dormant in Summer
During the active growing season, it needs more care, but less in the summer.
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Non Toxic
It's safe for humans and pets.
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Normal Watering
Use regular succulent watering methods. Learn how to water succulents easily.
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Not Cold Hardy
Protect from very low temperatures.
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Not for Indoor
Not suited for indoor growing.
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Partially Shady Sunlight
You can keep it in full sun but protect it during the afternoon.
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Propagation by cuttings
Usually by a leaf or stem cutting.
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Zone 9a
In this zone, the temperature can drop up to 20° F ( -6.7° C )
