Graptopetalum paraguayense or ‘Ghost Plant’ is a rosette forming type of succulent originally from Mexico and nearby areas. Flowering in summer, it makes an excellent plant for growing in containers. Try it as individual feature plants or let them grow into a larger clump.
Graptopetalum is a genus originally from Mexico to Southern USA. The species do vary a little in growth habit, some varieties being very flat in habit, others being bushy or taller growing.
All have fleshy leaves and flowers vary from white through to pink in colour. The flowers appear on tallish stems above the foliage.
Care
All types require a well drained soil, a specialist succulent and cactus mix is best.
A position in full sun is best for most species, although a few will grow well in light shade. Full sun will bring out the colours that are a feature of Graptopetalum paraguayense.
Most gardeners grow Graptopetalum in containers although in the right conditions they will grow well in the garden.
Watering regime is important, over winter, very little water is required. During summer, water regularly allowing the soil to dry well between watering.
Although these are not a plant that require a lot of fertiliser, they will benefit from a little liquid fertiliser during active growth.
Graptopetalum Varieties
- G. bellum – One of the few varieties that will grow in well in light shade. A very tight rosette of triangular shaped leaves. Pink flowers on a tall stem in summer. Also known as Tacitus bellus and the Chihuahua Flower.
- G. pentandrum superbum
- G. Murasaki is a hybrid, the foliage change colour dramatically with the amount of sun it receives.
- G. mendozae – Smaller foliage than most with an attractive spreading habit.
- G. paraguayense – One of the more commonly grown species commonly called the Ghost Plant. Excellent in a container where it will branch and flow over the edges. Lavender pink to pale green foliage which give in another common name of ‘Mother of Pearl plant’.
- G.Ellen – Pale green leaves that will change colour to a powdery pinkish white in summer or when grown under stress.
All varieties have foliage that will change colour depending on the amount of sun they receive.
Graptopetalum are available for sale from the following growers
Specialist succulent grower with a large range of Echeveria and other succulent genera, including rare and unusual varieties for the collector.
Online Retail Sales www.succulents-australia-sales.com
