Plant of the Month
0Ghost Plant
Graptopetalum paraguayense
- Plant Form: Succulent
- Water Use: Very low
- Mature Size: 0.5-1 ft. tall x 2-3 ft. wide
- Exposure: Full sun, part sun
- Bloom Time: Spring (Mar-May)
- Native to: Mexico
- Hardiness: Cold hardy to 20°F
Like magic, you can create your choice of colors on Ghost Plant by placing it either in full sun or part shade. For pinks, purples, and yellow, place this hardy plant in full sun; for blues, greens, and silvers, keep this popular succulent in partial shade. Either way, water it sparingly.
Ghost Plant is one of the most widely grown of all succulents, popular for over a century because it is so easy to grow and offers an intriguing range of pastel leaf colors. In full sun, its fleshy leaves blush pink, purple, and yellow, while in partial shade, they display blues, greens, and silvers. This small succulent produces fleshy rosettes of thick, triangular leaves on stems that spread to trail or hang. Stems detach easily, an adaptation that allows it to reproduce vegetatively in its habitat. Any rosette or leaf that breaks off has the potential to root and start a new plant. Place it away from high traffic areas, and avoid handling it or moving it from its favorite spot. This hardy and forgiving succulent can rebound if frozen by weather below 20 degrees. It needs well-drained soils and hates to be overwatered, so water only when the soil is dry, or you risk root rot. Ghost Plant is attractive as a groundcover in rock gardens and border edgings, spilling over walls, and in hanging baskets and pots.
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