Graptopetalum paraguayense, commonly known as Ghost Plant, is a popular succulent native to Mexico. It features glaucous, pastel-toned leaves that change color depending on the environmental conditions. The common name "Ghost Plant" refers to the powdery residue on its leaves, giving it a ghostly appearance.
Taxonomy of Graptopetalum paraguayense
Scientific Name
Graptopetalum paraguayense (N.E.Br.) E.Walther
Synonym(s)
Cotyledon paraguayensis, Sedum paraguayense
Common Name(s)
Ghost Plant, Mother of Pearl Plant
Scientific Classification
Family: Crassulaceae
Subfamily: Sedoideae
Tribe: Sedeae
Subtribe: Sedinae
Genus: Graptopetalum
Etymology
The specific epithet "paraguayense" (pronounced "par-uh-gway-EN-see") means "of or from Paraguay" and refers to the mistaken belief that this species originated in Paraguay.
Origin of Graptopetalum paraguayense
Graptopetalum paraguayense is native to Mexico (Tamaulipas).
Description of Graptopetalum paraguayense
Graptopetalum paraguayense is a beautiful succulent with decumbent or pendent, only basally branched stems with rosettes of thick, fleshy leaves at their tips. The stems can grow up to 12 inches (30 cm) long and 0.5 inches (1.3 cm) in diameter, while the rosettes can reach a diameter of up to 4 inches (10 cm). The leaves are grayish-white, warm to pinkish-yellow in hot and dry conditions, and turn blue-gray in partial shade. They are flat, shortly pointed, and can measure up to 2.8 inches (7 cm) long and 1.2 inches (3 cm) wide.
In spring, Graptopetalum paraguayense produces white, star-shaped flowers with small, red spots on stalks with scorpoid branches.
Subspecies and Forms of Graptopetalum paraguayense
- Graptopetalum paraguayense subsp. bernalense
- Graptopetalum paraguayense subsp. paraguayense
- Graptopetalum paraguayense (variegated)
Hybrids of Graptopetalum paraguayense
- Graptopetalum 'Purple Delight'
- Graptopetalum 'Purple Haze'
- ×Cremnopetalum 'Fred Wass'
- ×Graptosedum 'Bronze'
- ×Graptosedum 'California Sunset'
- ×Graptosedum 'Daniel-san'
- ×Graptosedum 'Ghosty'
- ×Graptosedum 'Francesco Baldi'
- ×Graptosedum 'Nuit Blanche'
- ×Graptoveria 'Acaulis'
- ×Graptoveria 'Albert Baynes'
- ×Graptoveria 'Araluen Gem'
- ×Graptoveria 'Citrina'
- ×Graptoveria 'Douglas Huth'
- ×Graptoveria 'Fantome'
- ×Graptoveria 'Fred Ives'
- ×Graptoveria 'Harry Watson'
- ×Graptoveria 'Marpin'
- ×Graptoveria 'Mrs Richards'
- ×Graptoveria 'Titubans'
How to Grow and Care for Graptopetalum paraguayense
Hardiness: USDA hardiness zones 9a to 11b: from 20°F (-6.7°C) to 50°F (10°C).
When planting your Ghost Plant in a container, choose a well-drained potting mix and a container with drainage holes.
Try mixing Ghost Plant with other succulents for an interesting yet low-maintenance planting. You can also incorporate your Ghost Plant into a rock garden. You can create a rock garden by piling large rocks, such as limestone, as the base and filling in gaps with smaller stones, gravel, and soil pockets for planting.
The Ghost Plant thrives in sunlight, so choose a location to receive full- or half-day sun. Keep it near a south, east, or west window when grown as a houseplant.
Some prefer to keep their Ghost Plant trimmed to create a fuller shape. For a different look, you can allow it to get a little "leggy." This allows the twisting stems to climb out of the pot and cascade gently. Be sure to let the soil almost completely dry between waterings.
Learn more at How to Grow and Care for Graptopetalum.
Photo Gallery
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Internal Links
- Explore all plants within the genus Graptopetalum.
- Explore all plants within the family Crassulaceae.