The Ghost Plant (Graptopetalum paraguayense) is a succulent plant that is native to Mexico. It gets its common name from its translucent leaves which allow light to pass through them. The Ghost Plant is a low-growing plant that typically only reaches about 6 inches in height. It has a rosette growth habit and its leaves are fleshy and have a waxy coating. The leaves are green in color with red or purple highlights. The Ghost Plant blooms in the spring and summer months and its flowers are white or pink in color.
How to care:
The Ghost Plant is a relatively easy plant to care for. It prefers to grow in a well-draining cactus mix and needs to be watered about once a week. It can tolerate some direct sun, but too much sun will cause the leaves to become translucent. The Ghost Plant can be propagated by stem cuttings or by offsets.
Water requirement:
The Plant needs to be watered about once a week.
Sun exposure:
The Plant can tolerate some direct sun, but too much sun will cause the leaves to become translucent.
Fertilizer:
The Plant does not need to be fertilized.
Type of Soil:
The Ghost Plant prefers to grow in a well-draining cactus mix.
Propagation:
The Ghost Plant can be propagated by stem cuttings or by offsets.
Propagation by stem cuttings:
1. Cut a stem from the Ghost Plant that is about 4-6 inches long.
2. Remove the lower leaves from the stem.
3. Allow the stem cutting to callous over for a few days.
4. Plant the stem cutting in a well-draining cactus mix.
5. Water the stem cutting lightly.
6. The stem cutting should root within a few weeks.
Propagation by offsets:
1. Look for offsets (small plants that are growing near the base of the Ghost Plant).
2. Gently remove the offsets from the main plant.
3. Plant the offsets in a well-draining cactus mix.
4. Water the offsets lightly.
5. The offsets should root within a few weeks.
Pest and Disease:
The Plant is relatively resistant to pests and diseases. However, mealybugs and aphids can be a problem. If you see these pests on your plant, you can remove them with a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol.
Landscape uses:
The Plant makes a great addition to succulent gardens or rock gardens. It can also be used as a groundcover.