Care of the succulent plant Graptopetalum paraguayense or Ghost plant |
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The genus Graptopetalum, family Crassulaceae, includes 12 species of succulent plants native to Mexico. Some species are: Graptopetalum paraguayense, Graptopetalum amethystinum, Graptopetalum bellum, Graptopetalum pentandrum. Common names: Ghost plant, Hens and Chicks, Mother of Pearl Plant. This species is native to East-Central Mexico. They are almost creeping (prostrate) succulent plants with thick spatulo-domed leaves that form rosettes; they are usually gray or grayish green in color. The flowers (in panicles) are white and star-shaped. They bloom in spring. They are used in rockery combined with other succulent plants and in pots for balconies and terraces. The Paraguayan Graptopetalum needs full sun exposure and average annual temperatures of 15-25 ºC (59-77 ºF). They resist the cold up to 5 ºC (41 ºF). They are very rustic plants that grow in any type of well-drained soil. Transplant when the roots appear below the pot. Water moderately throughout the year, waiting for the substrate to dry; in winter water once a month at most. Fertilize every 20 days with mineral fertilizer during spring and summer. They are sensitive plants to excess of irrigation; sometimes they can be attacked by mealybugs and whiteflies. They propagate by seeds and by stem or leaf cuttings for their ease of rooting. |
Images of the succulent plant Graptopetalum paraguayense or Ghost plant |
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