Scientific Name
Graptopetalum paraguayense (N.E.Br.) E.Walther
Common Name(s)
Ghost Plant, Mother of Pearl Plant
Synonym(s)
Byrnesia weinbergii, Cotyledon paraguayensis, Echeveria weinbergii, Sedum weinbergii
Scientific Classification
Family: Crassulaceae
Subfamily: Sedoideae
Tribe: Sedeae
Subtribe: Sedinae
Genus: Graptopetalum
Etymology
The specific epithet "paraguayense (par-uh-gway-EN-see)" means "of or from Paraguay" and refers to the mistaken belief that the species originated in Paraguay.
Description
Graptopetalum paraguayense is a beautiful succulent with decumbent or pendent, only basally branched stems with rosettes of thick fleshy leaves at the tips. The stems can grow up to 12 inches (30 cm) long and 0.5 inches (1.3 cm) in diameter, while the rosettes can reach up to 4 inches (10 cm) in diameter. The leaves are grayish-white, warm to pinkish-yellow in hot and dry conditions, and turn blue-gray in partial shade. They are flat, shortly pointed, and measure up to 2.8 inches (7 cm) long and 1.2 inches (3 cm) wide.
In spring, the plant produces white star-shaped flowers with small red spots on stalks with scorpoid branches.
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.
The 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 south, east, or west window.
Some people 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.
Origin
Graptopetalum paraguayense is native to Mexico (Tamaulipas).
Subspecies, Forms, Cultivars, and Hybrids
- Graptopetalum paraguayense subsp. bernalense
- Graptopetalum paraguayense 'Variegataum'
- Graptopetalum 'Purple Delight'
- Graptopetalum 'Purple Haze'
- ×Cremnopetalum 'Fred Wass'
- ×Graptosedum 'Bronze'
- ×Graptosedum 'California Sunset'
- ×Graptosedum 'Daniel-san'
- ×Graptosedum 'Ghosty'
- ×Graptosedum 'Francesco Baldi'
- ×Graptosedum 'Nuit Blanche'
- ×Graptoveria 'Acaulis'
- ×Graptoveria 'Albert Baynes'
- ×Graptoveria 'Araluen Gem'
- ×Graptoveria 'Citrina'
- ×Graptoveria 'Douglas Huth'
- ×Graptoveria 'Fantome'
- ×Graptoveria 'Fred Ives'
- ×Graptoveria 'Harry Watson'
- ×Graptoveria 'Marpin'
- ×Graptoveria 'Mrs Richards'
- ×Graptoveria 'Titubans'
Links
- Back to genus Graptopetalum
- Succupedia: Browse succulents by Scientific Name, Common Name, Genus, Family, USDA Hardiness Zone, Origin, or cacti by Genus
Photo Gallery
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