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Graptopetalum paraguayense (Ghost Plant) - A colorful small succulent from Mexico with 3- to 6-inch-wide rosettes holding thick triangular pointed flat leaves that range in color (even on the same plant) from pale blue, light pink, to light purple. The fleshy rosettes spread on stems creating a low spreading colony to only about 1 foot tall. In spring appear the 3/4-inch-wide white flowers that have small red specks.
Plant in full sun to light shade in a well-drained soil and irrigate infrequently to occasionally though does not like wet feet so good drainage is critical if watering regularly. It is a very hardy succulent and can rebound from being frozen and useful in areas that drop below 20 degrees F. A great and attractive plant for used as a groundcover, in hanging baskets, potted specimens or for spilling over walls. It is a bit brittle so avoid handling when possible and is not good in areas with much traffic.
Graptopetalum paraguayense, originally thought to be native to Paraguay, was discovered growing with cactus plants imported to New York in 1904 and was only later determined to be from Mexico, though no plants of the species have been rediscovered in the wild since. A closely related plant, now called Graptopetalum paraguayense ssp. bernalense was discovered by Alfred Lau in in 1979 the state of Tamaulipas in NE Mexico, so there is some presumption that this may be near to the origins of Graptopetalum paraguayense. The name for the genus comes from the Greek words 'grapho' meaning "to write" and 'petalum' meaning "a petal" in reference to the line markings on the petals of the flowers. The specific epithet comes from the mistaken belief that the plant's origin was Paraguay. Another common name is Mother-of-pearl-plant. We first received this plant from Santa Barbara's senior horticultural authority, the late John Bleack and have grown it since 1991.
The information displayed on this page about Graptopetalum paraguayense is based on our research conducted about this plant from books in our nursery library as well as from information that is provided by reliable online resources. We also have included our own observations made about it as it grew in the nursery gardens and other gardens visited, as well how the crops of this plant performed in the containers when we had them in our nursery field. We also include comments received from others and welcome hearing from anyone who has information about this plant, particularly if it includes cultural information aiding others to better grow it.
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