The Graptopetalum paraguayense, commonly known as the Ghost Plant, is a species of succulent from the Crassulaceae family, well-known among collectors and succulent enthusiasts. Its beauty, hardiness, and ease of cultivation make it a favorite. Contrary to what its name suggests, the Graptopetalum paraguayense succulent is native to Mexico, specifically from the Tamaulipas region in the central-east of the country. It was accidentally discovered, mixed with cacti that were imported to New York in 1904. Intriguingly, after its origin was corrected to Mexico, where other species of the same genus occur, it was not rediscovered in the wild, indicating its rarity.
The Graptopetalum paraguayense is a perennial succulent, producing stolons and forming clumps with geometrically shaped, fleshy leaf rosettes, resembling the appearance of Echeverias. The plant stems can grow up to 12 inches (30 cm) long and 0.5 inches (1.3 cm) in diameter, with rosettes reaching up to 4 inches (10 cm) in diameter. The rosettes form at the top of stems that elongate and branch out gradually, creating a low-growing colony that can reach up to 12 inches (30 cm) in height.
Its leaves are glabrous and covered with a gray layer of farina, giving the plant an opalescent sheen reminiscent of mother-of-pearl, hence its popular name. The leaves range from light pink-lilac to light yellow-lilac under warm, dry conditions, and turn to grayish-green to pale blue in partial shade. They are flat, thick, briefly pointed, measuring up to 2.8 inches (7 cm) long and 1.2 inches (3 cm) wide. Arranged spirally along the branches, these leaves detach from the stem with a slight touch, hence it requires careful handling.
Flowering mainly occurs from late winter to early spring, featuring branched thyrses-type inflorescences that rise above the foliage, 1 to 2 per rosette, on scorpioid cymes, with 5 to 15 star-shaped, white to yellowish flowers, adorned with small red spots.
As we have seen, the Graptopetalum paraguayense has succulent leaves that form rosettes, with a coloration that can vary from green to silver-gray, acquiring pinkish tones when exposed to full sun. Why not take advantage of this chameleon effect in landscaping? Its adaptability to indoor and outdoor environments, along with ease of cultivation, makes it an attractive option for various landscaping contexts. Furthermore, the ghost plant has a remarkable ability to multiply, forming dense clumps that can fill pots and flowerbeds, providing a dense and continuous visual effect. This succulent also has an interesting sculptural characteristic, especially when its older, leafless, and twisted stems begin to hang, creating a unique and dramatic appearance.
Due to its robustness and low maintenance, the Graptopetalum paraguayense is an excellent choice for ground cover in rock gardens and raised beds that have excellent drainage. Its texture and coloration complement rocks and gravel, creating harmonious and naturally beautiful landscaping compositions. The ghost plant’s pendulous behavior, especially when cultivated over several years, makes it ideal for use in pots and hanging baskets. Thus, it creates an extremely decorative cascading effect, with its succulent rosettes spilling over the edges, ideal for balconies, patios, and other outdoor spaces.
The versatility of the Graptopetalum paraguayense allows it to be used alone, in mass plantings, or mixed with other succulents and cacti, creating varied texture and color compositions. These combinations can be arranged in desert-inspired gardens, bowls with mini gardens, or even in themed succulent garden areas, offering low maintenance and continuous aesthetic appeal. As it is a somewhat fragile plant, the ghost plant can be strategically used in paved and traffic-free areas, like protected flowerbeds and areas where its beauty can be admired without the risk of being trampled (by people or animals). Its ability to withstand drought conditions makes it ideal for these contexts, especially in more arid climates.
In addition to its characteristics as an ornamental, the Graptopetalum paraguayense is also widely used in the creation of a series of cultivars and hybrids, due to its hardiness, ease of cultivation, and aesthetic qualities. Among the most well-known intergeneric hybrids are Graptosedum ‘Francesco Baldi’, a result of crossing with Sedum pachyphyllum, and Graptosedum ‘Bronze’, a product of combining with Sedum stahlii. These hybrids stand out for their fleshy leaves and variable coloration, which depends on light exposure.
The ghost plant thrives under full sun or partial shade. However, to achieve more vibrant coloration and compact growth, it is advisable to expose it to as much direct sunlight as possible (about 6 hours or more per day). Under partial shade conditions, its leaves may acquire bluish tones, while in full sun, especially in hot and dry climates, its leaves may take on a pinkish hue.
If the light is insufficient, the ghost plant will suffer from etiolation, characterized by elongated and fragile stem and leaf growth in search of light. This phenomenon results in plants with a weakened appearance, losing the compactness and robustness characteristic of their rosettes. To prevent etiolation, it is crucial to position the ghost plant in locations where it can receive an abundance of direct sunlight for at least 4 hours a day. If the plant is already etiolated, repositioning it in an environment with adequate lighting, followed by careful decapitation, can help restore its compact and vigorous shape, enhancing the unique beauty and health of this succulent.
The ghost plant is notably resilient, tolerating low temperatures down to 14°F (-10°C), provided it is protected from frost and excessive moisture. Despite this, it is best to avoid prolonged exposure to freezing temperatures. In regions with cold winters, it is recommended to cultivate in protected environments, such as greenhouses, or bring the plant indoors during the colder periods.
The ideal substrate for the ghost plant should be well-draining, composed of a mixture of garden soil and sand in equal parts, or specific commercial substrates for cacti and succulents. The addition of inert material, such as perlite or charcoal, can further improve drainage and prevent soil waterlogging.
Watering should be moderate, allowing the soil to dry completely between waterings. During the warmer and actively growing months, the frequency of watering can be increased, while in winter, watering should be significantly reduced. Also, consider that deep watering, which thoroughly wets the substrate, is preferable to watering little and often.
Clay pots are recommended for their ability to facilitate water evaporation, reducing the risk of root rot. However, plastic pots can also be used, provided the watering frequency is adjusted to prevent moisture accumulation. For this same reason, never use a saucer under the pots.
Fertilization should be light and done only once at the beginning of spring, using a fertilizer diluted to ¼ of the recommended dosage. The ghost plant, like the majority of cacti and succulents, usually grows well in low-fertility soils, so excess fertilizer should be avoided to not harm the plant. Another option is to use fertilizers specific for succulents, which have low nitrogen levels, or slow-release fertilizers like Osmocote and Basacote, which release nutrients gradually into the soil, without the risk of burning. Avoid using organic fertilizers like manure or humus, which, despite being rich, reduce the aeration and drainage capacity of the substrate over time.
During the colder months, the ghost plant enters a dormancy period, where its growth slows down significantly. This period requires less watering and no fertilization, in addition to being a necessary condition for the induction of flowering in the following spring.
Maintenance includes occasional pruning to remove dead or damaged leaves and to encourage a denser growth habit. Decapitation, or drastic pruning, is rarely necessary but can be used to control the size of the plant or stimulate the sprouting of new branches, as well as to produce cuttings. Repotting is recommended when the plant outgrows its pot or to renew the substrate, preferably every two years, providing a fresh growing environment.
The Graptopetalum paraguayense can be propagated by various methods, including seeds, fallen leaves, division of clumps, or stem cuttings. Any part of the plant that detaches or falls to the ground has the potential to create a new plant. Propagation by leaves is perhaps the simplest and easiest method. A single leaf that detaches and falls to the ground can germinate and form a new plant. The process begins when the leaf forms roots and, eventually, small rosettes start to emerge at the base of the leaf.
Propagation by stem cuttings is another effective technique. Clean cuts in healthy stem tips (with leaves) can be left to air for a few days until the cut area forms a callus. After this period, the cuttings can be planted in well-drained soil, where they quickly establish roots and begin to grow as independent plants. This process, also known as decapitation, is ideal for rejuvenating plants that have become long and disordered, allowing the gardener to recycle parts of the plant into new specimens. Generally, the remaining stem will also generate new cuttings, especially if some leaves are left.
Although the ghost plant is resistant to many common problems affecting other succulents, it is not completely immune to pests and diseases. Mealybugs are one of the most common pests attacking the densely compacted rosettes, feeding on the plant’s sap and potentially transmitting diseases. Treatments include applying isopropyl alcohol directly to the insects with a cotton swab. Keeping the plant clean and free from dead and congested leaves also helps prevent infestations, as it eliminates potential hiding spots for pests and keeps the plant airy.
Root rot is another concern, often resulting from excessive watering or inadequate soil drainage. Symptoms include leaves that begin to drop or become soft and discolored. Often the initial appearance is that of a thirsty plant, with wilted and drooping leaves. To prevent this condition, it is essential to ensure that the soil is well-draining and to avoid overwatering, allowing the soil to dry completely between waterings. In severe cases, it may be necessary to remove the affected parts of the plant, perform decapitation of healthy tissues, or even discard the entire plant to prevent the spread of disease.
