1 named cultivar
The Story
Plant Bio
Graptopetalum paraguayense, ghost plant, is a clumping prostrate succulent from Mexico, six to twelve inches high and spreading two to three feet. Thick flat triangular leaves one to three inches long, pointed at the tips and coated in a pale waxy bloom, are carried on succulent grey stems, and small star-shaped flowers open in spring.
The colour shifts with the light: pinkish-grey in shade, warm apricot to yellow in strong sun, so the same plant looks like two different ones depending on where it sits. Leaves drop at the lightest knock and each one roots where it lands, which is why an established plant is usually surrounded by a colony of volunteers.
Uses & Benefits:
Essentials
At a Glance
Plant Type
Cactus Succulent
Height
6 inches
Width
30 inches
Light
Full Sun, Partial Sun
Zones
9, 10
Water
Low
Humidity
Low
Lifespan
Perennial
Native To
Mexico
Toxicity
Non-toxic
Planting
How to Grow
- Grow in full sun for the warmest leaf colour.
- Use gritty, sharply draining compost.
- Let the compost dry out fully between waterings.
- Keep it dry and frost-free through winter.
- Handle it gently; leaves detach easily.
- Pot up dropped leaves rather than discarding them.
Pro Tip
Every dropped leaf will root where it falls, so sweep them up and lay them on compost rather than binning free plants.
Keep It Thriving
Care Guide
Do
- Give it full sun for warm colour ☀️
- Let compost dry fully between waterings 🌵
- Handle it by the stem, not the leaves 🤏
- Root the leaves that drop 🌱
Don't
- Overwater it ❌
- Rub the waxy bloom off ❌
- Leave it out in frost ❌
Seasonal Care Calendar
| Task | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rest | ||||||||||||
| Water |
Watch Out For
Pests & Diseases
Common Pests
Common Diseases
In the Garden
Landscape Uses & Companions
Landscape Uses
Companion Plants
Multiply
Propagation Methods
Good to Know
Common Questions
Ghost Plant questions
What zones can Ghost Plant grow in?
Ghost Plant is hardy in USDA Zones 9–10. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.
Is Ghost Plant deer resistant?
Yes — Ghost Plant is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.
When does Ghost Plant bloom?
Ghost Plant typically blooms in spring through late summer. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.
Does Ghost Plant need full sun?
Ghost Plant does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.
Is Ghost Plant drought tolerant?
Yes — once established (usually after the first full season), Ghost Plant handles dry spells with minimal watering. Water deeply its first year to build the root system that makes that possible.
More Graptopetalum to compare
Keep exploring
Explore the genus
Hardy in your zone?
Grow Ghost Plant with confidence
See it in a design of your actual yard, get zone-matched care reminders, and track it season by season in your garden journal.