Consulta Plantas

Care of the succulent plant Graptopetalum paraguayense or Ghost plant

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.

Ghost plant is used in rockery combined with other succulent plants and in pots for balconies and terraces.

Graptopetalum paraguayense needs full sun exposure and average annual temperatures of 15-25 ºC (59-77 ºF). It resists the cold up to 5 ºC (41 ºF).

Hens and Chicks is a very rustic plant that grows 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.

Mother of Pearl Plant is a sensitive plant to excess of irrigation; sometimes it can be attacked by mealybugs and whiteflies.

Ghost plant propagates by seeds and by stem or leaf cuttings for their ease of rooting.

Images of the succulent plant Graptopetalum paraguayense or Ghost plant