Easy Succulent Safe for pets

Ghost Plant

Graptopetalum paraguayense

A resilient succulent forming rosettes of thick, fleshy leaves that often display a powdery, pale gray to pinkish-purple hue.

The essentials at a glance

Watering

Every 10 days
Light

Full sun
Humidity

30–50 %
Temperature

18–29 °C

How to care for your Ghost Plant

Everything you need to keep your Ghost Plant healthy: watering, light, humidity, feeding, repotting and pruning.

Despite its species name, *Graptopetalum paraguayense* is actually native to northeastern Mexico, not Paraguay. This charming succulent is highly valued for its striking rosette formation and ease of propagation. The rosettes grow at the end of increasingly long stems, which can trail over time. Its leaves are typically a pale, ghostly grey, but can blush with pink or purple when exposed to ample sunlight or cooler temperatures. In spring, it produces small, star-shaped, white flowers with red markings, adding a delicate contrast to its robust foliage. It's an excellent choice for beginners and adaptable to various outdoor and indoor settings.

Watering your Ghost Plant

Every 10 days

Water thoroughly and allow the soil to dry out completely between waterings. Reduce watering in cooler months.

How to know it needs water

Soil is completely dry to the touch
Leaves may appear slightly less firm

How much light a Ghost Plant needs

Full sun

Full sun to partial shade. Prefers at least 6 hours of bright light daily to maintain compact form and color.

Direct sun tolerated: 6 to 10 h a day
Orientations that suit it: South, South-east, South-west, East, West

Humidity and misting

30–50 %

Low; tolerates dry conditions well. Misting is not necessary and can lead to fungal issues or powdery mildew on the leaves.

Feeding and fertiliser

Every 45 days

Fertilize sparingly during spring and summer. Over-fertilization can lead to weak, leggy growth.

Recommended feed: Diluted liquid succulent or cactus fertilizer. · 2-7-7

Repotting your Ghost Plant

Every 24 months

Repot into a slightly larger container with fresh, well-draining succulent potting mix. Handle carefully to avoid breaking off leaves or stems.

When: Spring
Potting mix: Cactus and succulent mix
Mix in: perlite, pumice, coarse sand

The tell-tale signs

Plant is root-bound
Soil is no longer draining effectively
Plant has become leggy with long, bare stems

Pruning your Ghost Plant

As needed, typically in spring or summer. Pinch back or cut leggy stems to encourage bushier growth. Remove any dead or damaged leaves. Cuttings can be rooted.

Through the year

Watering is not set once and for all: it follows the light and the growth. Allow 20 days between waterings in the depth of winter, against 8 in the growing season.

18 J
15 F
10 M
8 A
8 M
8 J
8 J
8 A
10 S
12 O
15 N
20 D

Active growth · Days between waterings

Good to know

The common name 'Ghost Plant' comes from the pale, often ghostly-grey color of its leaves, which can sometimes have pinkish or purplish tones.
Leaves readily fall off and can easily root to produce new plants, making it very easy to propagate.

Frequently asked questions about the Ghost Plant

How do you care for a Ghost Plant?

Water it every 10 days. Give it full sun. Ideal humidity: 30–50 %. Ideal temperature: 18–29 °C. Water thoroughly and allow the soil to dry out completely between waterings. Reduce watering in cooler months.

How often should you water a Ghost Plant?

Every 10 days Water thoroughly and allow the soil to dry out completely between waterings. Reduce watering in cooler months. How to know it needs water : Soil is completely dry to the touch ; Leaves may appear slightly less firm.

How much light does a Ghost Plant need?

Full sun Full sun to partial shade. Prefers at least 6 hours of bright light daily to maintain compact form and color. 6 to 10 h a day

Is the Ghost Plant toxic to cats and dogs?

No, the Ghost Plant is not listed as toxic to cats and dogs. That is still no reason to let your pets chew on it.

Why are my Ghost Plant leaves turning yellow?

Yellowing most often comes from too much water: the mix stays wet and the roots suffocate. Check that the pot drains, empty the saucer, and let the mix dry before watering again. Too little light or a cold draught cause the same symptom.

When should you repot a Ghost Plant?

Repot every 24 months, ideally in spring. Repot into a slightly larger container with fresh, well-draining succulent potting mix. Handle carefully to avoid breaking off leaves or stems.