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Plant Passport · Succulent

Ghost Plant

Graptopetalum paraguayense

A forgiving succulent with silvery rosettes that blush pink in bright, dry conditions. Its leaves root readily, making it especially fun to share.

A large cluster of Ghost Plant rosettes from my garden
Light

Bright light to full sun

Water

Soak, then let soil dry

Soil

Fast-draining succulent mix

Home

Container or protected garden

Care

How to keep it happy

Give Ghost Plant plenty of light and excellent drainage. Water thoroughly, then wait until the soil dries before watering again. Too little light creates stretched, loose growth; strong light keeps the rosettes compact and brings out pink tones.

Planting

Pot it for drainage

Use a container with a drainage hole and a gritty succulent mix. Its stems lengthen with age and eventually trail, so it looks lovely near the edge of a pot. Outdoors, protect it from long periods of wet winter soil.

Propagation

One leaf can become a plant

Gently twist off a whole leaf and let the broken end dry for a few days. Rest it on dry succulent mix. Tiny roots and a new rosette will form near the base; begin watering lightly only after roots appear.

Problems

Watch the water

Soft, translucent leaves or a mushy stem usually point to excess moisture. Wrinkled leaves can signal thirst. The powdery coating on the leaves is natural—handle the rosettes gently so you do not rub it away.