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 its 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 inches (1.5 cm) wide. The flowers are whitish with small red specks up to 0.6 inches (1.5 cm) in diameter.
Photo by Wayne Fagerlund
Hardiness
USDA hardiness zones 9a to 11b: from 20 °F (−6.7 °C) to 50 °F (+10 °C).
How to Grow and Care
The rules for Graptopetalum care are similar to those for most succulents. All require lots of sunlight to look their best. They need 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. Fertilize 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.
Origin
Native to Mexico.
Links
- Back to genus Graptopetalum
- Succulentopedia: Browse succulents by Scientific Name, Common Name, Genus, Family, USDA Hardiness Zone, Origin, or cacti by Genus
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