Scientific Name
Graptopetalum macdougallii Alexander
Scientific Classification
Family: Crassulaceae
Subfamily: Sedoideae
Tribe: Sedeae
Subtribe: Sedinae
Genus: Graptopetalum
Origin
Graptopetalum macdougallii is native to Mexico. It occurs in Oaxaca on somewhat shady rocks, rarely epiphytic at elevations between 3,940 and 6,890 feet (1,200 to 2,100 m).
Description
Graptopetalum macdougallii is an attractive, more or less mat-forming succulent with bright bluish to greenish leaves arranged in rosettes. The rosettes can grow up to 3 inches (7.5 cm) in diameter, producing offsets on long stolons. The leaves are tongue-shaped, sharply pointed at the apex, and measure up to 1.4 inches (3.5 cm) long and 0.6 inches (1.5 cm) wide. They are spreading during the growth season and connivent during the dormancy.
The flowers are star-shaped, 5-merous, up to 0.8 inches (2 cm) across, and appear in late winter and early spring. The petals are whitish-yellow-green with scattered brown blotches and stripes at the base, almost with solid brown coloration towards the tips, and apically yellowish-green.
Hardiness
USDA hardiness zones 9a to 11b: from 20 °F (−6.7 °C) to 50 °F (+10 °C).
How to Grow and Care
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. Or you can incorporate your Ghost Plant into a rock garden. You can create a rock garden by piling large rocks like limestone as the base and filling in gaps with smaller stones, gravel, and soil pockets for planting.
Ghost Plant thrives in sunlight, so choose a location to receive full- or half-day sun. When grown as a houseplant, keep it near a bright window.
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, cascading down gently. Be sure to let the soil almost completely dry between waterings.
Learn more at How to Grow and Care for Graptopetalum.
Links
- Back to genus Graptopetalum
- Succupedia: Browse succulents by Scientific Name, Common Name, Genus, Family, USDA Hardiness Zone, Origin, or cacti by Genus
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