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Ghost Plant Plant Care
Graptopetalum paraguayense (N.E.Br.) E.Walther
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
Graptopetalum paraguayense is a compact succulent with rosettes of thick, fleshy leaves that have a silvery-grey color. It produces small pink or yellow flowers on tall stalks.
Every 7–14 days
Bright indirect
60–85°F
30–50%
At a glance
How do you care for Ghost Plant?
Water Ghost Plant every 7–14 days, letting the top layer of soil dry out between waterings, and give it bright indirect light. It prefers temperatures of 60–85°F (16–29°C) and 30–50% humidity. Fertilize it every month during the growing season. The ASPCA lists it as non-toxic to cats and dogs.
Where Is the Ghost Plant Native To?
What Is the Ghost Plant?
Ghost Plant (Graptopetalum paraguayense) belongs to the Crassulaceae family within the Graptopetalum genus. Ghost Plant is native to Tamaulipas, Mexico. Ghost Plant is also known as Mother of Pearl Plant.
Ghost Plant displays a compact, clumping growth habit, reaching up to tall with a spread of approximately 1 ft. Ghost Plant produces small, star-shaped pink to lavender flowers on tall stalks.
Leaf size: approximately 1 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Ghost Plant?
Graptopetalum paraguayense requires watering every 7–14 days. Allow the top layer of soil to dry between waterings to prevent root rot. Reduce watering frequency during winter when growth slows.
Watering Frequency
Every 7–14 days
Let soil partially dry between waterings
What Light Does the Ghost Plant Need?
Ghost Plant thrives in bright indirect light. Avoid placing Ghost Plant in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.
Light Requirement
Bright indirect
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Ghost Plant Prefer?
Graptopetalum paraguayense grows best at temperatures of 60–85°F. Ghost Plant prefers humidity levels of 30–50%.
Temperature
60–85°F
Humidity
30–50%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Ghost Plant?
Well-draining sandy soil mix. Good drainage is essential for Ghost Plant to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Ghost Plant?
Feed Ghost Plant every month during the growing season (spring and summer) with a balanced fertilizer diluted to the strength on the label.
Pause feeding in autumn and winter, when growth slows, and never fertilize dry soil — water first.
Fertilizing
Every month
During the growing season
The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.
How Do You Repot a Ghost Plant?
Repot every 2-3 years in early spring. Choose a pot one size larger than the current container, and ensure it has drainage holes to allow excess water to escape.
How Do You Propagate a Ghost Plant?
Ghost Plant can be propagated through stem cuttings, leaf cuttings, offsets.
Is the Ghost Plant Toxic to Pets and Children?
Non-toxic to cats and dogs
Source: ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center plant list. View the ASPCA entry
Non-toxic to cats, dogs, and humans.
This is a general caution, not veterinary or medical advice. If your pet ate a plant, contact your vet or animal poison control.
See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.
What Pests and Diseases Affect the Ghost Plant?
Ghost Plant is susceptible to mealybugs, aphids, spider mites. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.
Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.
What USDA Hardiness Zone Does the Ghost Plant Need?
Ghost Plant grows outdoors in USDA Zone 9b – 11b. It survives winters down to planting zone 9b. Ghost Plant is native to Tamaulipas, Mexico. In cooler regions, grow Ghost Plant as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 9b – 11b
Keep exploring plants
Ghost Plant is one of many species covered in the complete plant care and identification guide, which groups plants by genus, attribute, and popularity.
It belongs to the Graptopetalum genus — compare its care with other Graptopetalum species on PlantoScan.
Graptopetalum is part of the Crassulaceae plant family — browse all Crassulaceae genera and species.
Ghost Plant thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.
Related Plant Care Guides
Closely related plants with similar care requirements:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Graptopetalum paraguayense (N.E.Br.) E.Walther, family Crassulaceae (first published in Cact. Succ. J. (Los Angeles) 9: 108 (1938)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record, Wikidata.
- Pet toxicity: The ASPCA lists Ghost Plant as non-toxic to cats and dogs. Source: ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant List.
- Photo: © PlantoScan.
- Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 9b – 11b, estimated from the plant's typical growing conditions.
- Care values(watering, light, temperature, humidity, soil, fertilizing): PlantoScan's plant database, filtered by automatic plausibility checks — values that fail them are hidden. How we source and check plant data.
Spotted a mistake? Email info@upvision.media with the page link — we check and correct reported errors.
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