Graptopetalum Paraguayense (Ghost Plant) Profile

Graptopetalum Paraguayense, also called the Ghost Plant, is a beautiful succulent with purple-gray leaves and sprawling stems. Graptopetalum Paraguayense is native to Mexico, and plant care involves plenty of sunlight and infrequent watering to keep them happy. The leaves of the Graptopetalum Paraguayense have a delicate white powdery coating called pruinose, giving it a soft "ghost" appearance.

Graptopetalum Paraguayense Picture

Graptopetalum Paraguayense Info

Botanical Name	Graptopetalum paraguayense
Common Name	Ghost Plant, mother-of-pearl plant
Plant Type	Perennial succulent
Mature Size	Six to 12 inches tall; 20 inches wide
Sun Exposure	Full to partial sun
Soil Type	Sandy or a light potting mix
Soil pH	6.1-7.8
Bloom Time	Spring

Graptopetalum Paraguayense Native Habits

A powdery coating called pruinose covers this plant's leaves, giving them their ghostly look. This coating is delicate and can be damaged by handling. Fleshy, pointed leaves grow along brittle, trailing stems and form rosettes ranging in color from pale blue gray (in bright shade) to yellow pink (in full hot sun). In mid-spring, star-shaped white flowers marked with red rise up on flower stalks.
Native to Mexico, this low-growing succulent can get between 6 inches and 1 foot tall and grows in clumps that are 14 to 20 inches wide, making it useful as a groundcover in areas with no foot traffic. But its sprawling nature also allows it to drape over containers or walls. The hardy ghost plant can be grown throughout the state, handling temperatures as low as 10° Fahrenheit.

Graptopetalum Paraguayense Dstribution

It is a succulent plant from Mexico that was improved upon as an edible crop. Graptopetalum Paraguayense is also known as a gardening plant called oborozuki. Ghost plant is new to Japan and it is called Gurapara leaf in Japanese.

How to Grow & Care for Graptopetalum Paraguayense

How to Grow Graptopetalum Paraguayense

• With Seeds

The seeds are sown in pots that are wider than they are tall, with holes for drainage, filled with substrate. Then, it is watered and the seeds are placed on the surface, ensuring that they are not piled up. In this sense, the ideal is always better to put a few in many containers, than many in a few. Finally, they are covered with a thin layer of substrate, or with previously washed river sand, and the seedbeds are placed outside, or in a bright interior near a heat source. They will germinate in an average of 10-15 days.

• With Stem Cuttings

It is the most reliable method to obtain new copies of graptopetalum paraguayense. And the simplest. Just You have to cut a stem with leaves, let the wound dry for about 7 days in semi-shade protected from possible rains that may fall, and after that time plant it in a pot us cactus soil or with a mixture of peat and perlite in equal parts. Placing it in an area protected from direct sun, and keeping the substrate always slightly damp, it will emit its own roots in about 15 to 20 days.

• With Leaf Cuttings

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.

• With Offsets

While many succulent offsets grow at the base, Graptopetalum Paraguayense offsets (pups) grow by branching off from the stem. Once the offset is about 1/4 of the size of it's parent, you can carefully remove it using a clean pair of garden shears. Leave about 1.5 inches of stem so that you have enough room to plant the offset. Allow the stem to callous for 2 to 3 days, then replant in a new pot. Water the new plant about 5 days after repotting so that it has a chance to settle in its new environment. Provide bright, filtered sun and water every 4 to 5 days.

How to Care for Graptopetalum Paraguayense

• Light

Graptopetalum paraguayense need plenty of bright sunlight to prevent etiolation (stretching out) and to maintain their compact rosette shape.

• Soil

You can use a light potting or cactus mix for its soil. The important thing is that the soil should be gritty, porous, and has good drainage.

• Water

During the summer you will appreciate 1-2 irrigations a week, but the rest of the year it will be enough to water it once every 15 days or so.

• Temperature and Humidity

Graptopetalum Paraguayense thrives in hot weather, but excess humidity is a problem in areas with poorly draining soil. Planting your ghost plants in containers or raised beds, as well as spacing them away from each other and away from other plants to increase air circulation will keep plants healthy.

• Fertilizer

Feed graptopetalum paraguayense with a commercial fertilizer that is manufactured for succulents and dilute it to ¼ of its strength by adding water. Fertilizer should only be given once a month during the spring months.

• Pruning

How often you prune your Graptopetalum Paraguayense will depend on how you want to shape and make it look. They grow from the center of the rosette. And, over time, they produce new rosette pups.

Graptopetalum Paraguayense Uses

• Nutritional Value

Graptopetalum Paraguayense is rich in minerals and vitamins and it is especially rich in calcium and magnesium. It helps to lower blood glucose level; it helps liver function and the immune system.

• Landscape Uses

Graptopetalum Paraguayense is excellent in containers, requiring only infrequent watering. Graptopetalum Paraguayense also makes an interesting ground cover and accent plant in cactus, succulent and xeriscape gardens. Graptopetalum Paraguayense should be located in a somewhat protected area as the succulent leaves are easily broken off and form new plants.

Graptopetalum Paraguayense Common Pests/Diseases

Graptopetalum Paraguayense grows, remove dead leaves at the base of the plant. Decomposing leaves provide a habitat for pests like the mealybug. If your Graptopetalum Paraguayense has mealybugs, you can spot treat with a dab of isopropyl alcohol, or smother them with horticultural oil.

Graptopetalum Paraguayense Design Tips

Graptopetalum Paraguayense is excellent in containers, requiring only infrequent watering. Graptopetalum Paraguayense also makes an interesting ground cover and accent plant in cactus, succulent and xeriscape gardens. Graptopetalum Paraguayense should be located in a somewhat protected area as the succulent leaves are easily broken off and form new plants.

Graptopetalum Paraguayense Companion Plants

Senecio mandraliscae (Blue Chalksticks)
Kalanchoe luciae (Paddle Plant)
Sempervivum (Hens and Chicks)
Sedum nussbaumerianum (Stonecrop)
Read Next: Graptopetalum Paraguayense Grow & Care Guide