Light
Give it full sun, or at least half a day of it. Indoors, a south, east or west window works. Light sets the color. In hot, full sun the leaves blush pink to yellowish pink, and in shade or indoors they stay pale blue-gray. Too little light gives weak, stretched growth.
Water
It's very drought tolerant. Water thoroughly, then let the soil dry out almost completely before you water again. Keep it barely moist through fall and winter. If it starts shedding lots of leaves, you're probably giving it too much.
Soil & pots
Drainage matters more than anything. Use a gritty, well-drained mix and a pot with drainage holes. It's at home in a rock garden or a mixed succulent pot, and its brittle stems will spill over the edge if you let them grow a little leggy. Trim them back if you'd rather have a fuller plant.
Temperature
It's tougher than most rosette succulents. NC State Extension rates it for USDA zones 9a–11b and says it takes about 15°F (−9°C) with protection, and UF/IFAS says it can be grown throughout Florida. In colder areas, keep it in a pot and bring it in for winter.
Is ghost plant safe for pets?
Non-toxic to cats and dogs. The ASPCA lists ghost plant as non-toxic to dogs, cats and horses. Its entry uses an old name, Sedum weinbergii, which Kew now treats as a synonym of Graptopetalum paraguayense.
Propagation
This is one of the easiest succulents to propagate. Leaves that fall off on their own can root, which is how the plant spreads. Stem cuttings and division work too.
- Pick up a fallen leaf, or twist off a healthy one whole.
- Leave it for a few days so the broken end calluses over.
- Lay it on gritty mix in bright light, out of harsh sun.
- Water lightly once roots and a tiny rosette appear.
Common problems
FAQ
Is ghost plant toxic to cats and dogs?
No. The ASPCA lists ghost plant as non-toxic to dogs, cats and horses. Its entry uses the old name Sedum weinbergii, but it's the same plant.
Why is my ghost plant dropping leaves?
A few dropped leaves are normal. The leaves break off easily, and that's how the plant spreads. If it's shedding lots of them, it's usually getting too much water.
Why is my ghost plant pink, or blue?
It's the light. Full sun and hot, dry weather tint the leaves pink, while shade or a spot indoors keeps them pale blue-gray. Both are healthy.
Is this the same as the white woodland ghost plant?
No. That one, also called Indian pipe (Monotropa), is a woodland wildflower with no chlorophyll, and it's very hard to grow. This ghost plant is a Mexican succulent in the jade family.
Can ghost plant grow outside?
Yes, in mild climates. NC State rates it for USDA zones 9a–11b, and UF/IFAS suggests it as a ground cover where nobody walks. Elsewhere, grow it in a pot and bring it in for winter.
Sources
- Graptopetalum paraguayense (N.E.Br.) E.Walther: Plants of the World Online, Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew
- Graptopetalum paraguayense: North Carolina Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox
- Ghost Plant: UF/IFAS Gardening Solutions
- Graptopetalum paraguayense: RHS
- Ghost Plant (Sedum weinbergii): ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plants
- How to grow houseplant cacti and succulents: RHS
- Monotropa (Ghost Plant, Indian-pipe): North Carolina Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox