Graptopetalum paraguayense subsp. bernalense - Ghost Plant

Scientific Name

Graptopetalum paraguayense subsp. bernalense M. Kimnach & R. Moran

Common Names

Ghost Plant

Synonyms

Byrnesia bernalensis, Graptopetalum bernalense

Scientific Classification

Family: Crassulaceae
Subfamily: Sedoideae
Tribe: Sedeae
Subtribe: Sedinae
Genus: Graptopetalum

Description

Graptopetalum paraguayense subsp. bernalense differs from G. paraguayense subsp. paraguayense by being smaller in all it parts and for its yellowish leaves not more than 1.6 inches (4 cm) long. It is a very interesting, clumping succulent with relatively small rosettes, up to 8 inches (20 cm) tall and up to 2.8 inches (7 cm) in diameter. The leaves are triangular in shape, yellowish or greenish-cream or (under stress) pinkish colored, up to 1.6 inches (4 cm) long and up to 0.6 inch (1.5 cm) wide. The flowers are whitish with small red specks up to 0.6 inch (1.5 cm) in diameter.

Photo via sedumphotos.net

Hardiness

USDA hardiness zone 7b to 11b: from 5 °F (−15 °C) to 50 °F (+10 °C).

How to Grow and Care

The rules for Graptopetalums care are similar to those for most succulents. All require lots of sun to look their best. They require gritty porous soil with excellent drainage. Water regularly over the summer months letting the soil dry out between waterings. Minimal water is required over winter. Overwatering is a cause of root rots and the plant can get several pest infestations. Fertlize once during the growing season with a balanced fertilizer diluted to ¼ strength.

The Graptopetalums are generally easy to propagate, by seeds, leaf cuttings or offsets. Any rosette that breaks off has the potential to root and start a new plant. Even a leaf that drops off will root below the parent plant and produce a new rosette quickly. The new plant feeds off the leaf until it shrivels up and falls off. By then the new little ghost plant has rooted and sprouted new leaves… – See more at: How to Grow and Care for Graptopetalum.