Graptopetalum paraguayense - Mother of Pearl Plant - Ghost plant

Origin and Habitat: Graptopetalum paraguayense, originally thought to be native to Paraguay, as the species name implies, was first ‘discovered’ in a load of cactus plants imported to New York in 1904. No plants of the species have been rediscovered in the wild since. The ssp. bernalense was found in 1979 by Alfred Lau on the Cerro Bernal mountain range of Tamaulipas state in NE Mexico, and it is thought that this may be near the home of G. paraguayense also. Another possible variation, ssp. mendozae, was found much more recently.

Description: Graptopetalum paraguayense is a clump-forming, perennial succulent with a basal rosette of thick fleshy leaves resembling Echeveria. The common names include Mother-of-pearl-plant and Ghost plant probably with reference to the look of the greyish white, opalescent leaves. This is not to be confused with Monotropa uniflora which is also referred to as the “Ghost Plant”. Plants turn pinkish yellow in hot, dry conditions and blue-gray when pampered with partial shade and regular water. They bear star-shaped, white-and-red flowers in spring. Graptopetalums may form crested growth.

Habit: Graptopetalum paraguayense is a hairless, perennial rosette-forming, succulent plant, looking like an Echeveria but unlike Echeveria the rosettes grow at the tips of ever-lengthening stems creating a low spreading colony to only about 30 cm tall. 

Rosettes: 9-15 cm across, with c. 15-25, loosely shingled, leaves, and forming a symmetric Fibonacci spiral. Old leaves at the base of the rosette wither and fall off. New growth is from the centre of the rosette, so over time the stem gets denuded, with a rosette on the end.

Leaves: 2-8 cm long 1.5-2.5 cm broad, thick triangular to spathulate, pointed, flat or hollowed above, keeled beneath. The leaves range in colour (even on the same plant) from grey-green, pale blue, light pinky-lilac, to light purple and are covered by a greyish bloom giving the whole plants an opalescent shine (Exhibiting a milky iridescence like that of an opal or pearl). The thick leaves hold excess moisture so the plant can withstand periods without rain.

Flowers: Star shaped, white with small red specks, c.2 cm in diameter, borne on stems to 15 cm long with 2-6 branches, each with 3-14 flowers. Petals c. 1 cm long white, dotted with red. 

Blooming season: The plant flowers occasionally in late winter-early spring.

Cultivation and Propagation: Culture of Graptopetalum paraguayense is fairly easy, it can tolerate full sun (where it will stay compact) but a much better exposure is light shade. It is always a favorite carefree windowsill citizen, an excellent addition to any garden. The plant's origin will make its rosettes tolerate heat and drought. They are true survivors.

Exposition: Likes light shade to part sun (it will take a few hours of sun without a problem), but adapts very well to full sun and shade too. It can overwinters well also under grow lights in a cool room of the house. Graptopetalums are chameleons. Those grown in partial shade tend to be blue-gray; in full, hot sun, gray-pink; in full sun, pinkish gray to yellow.

Soil: Although it needs a soil that is gritty and porous with good drainage, the soil must be able to hold the moisture that the plant requires. The ideal soil should contain equal parts of loam with small gravel added (eg pumice or lava grit). Good drainage is essential.

Watering: During the summer growing period the plant appears to need much more water than the average succulent. Water when plant is dry and do not water again until the soil is completely dry again. Dislikes over-watering. Pay particular attention to make sure that they do not rot at the root from soggy soil. During October to March, water very sparingly, using only enough water to keep the foliage from shriveling. In a very humid situation in winter, it can rot even if totally dry. It likes dry air as much as dry soil. 

Hardiness: It is usually recommended to avoid freezing temperatures, but this is a very hardy succulent and can rebound from being frozen and is useful in areas that drop below 7° C. It requires low temperature for flower formation and it will not flower unless it is overwintered for at least a month at 15° C or less.

Pests and diseases: The tightly-packed rosettes can sometimes harbour mealy bugs, but generally it is pest free and easy to grow.

Uses: A great plant for use as a groundcover, in gravel gardens, paved areas, rockeries, in hanging baskets or pots, or for spilling over walls. Like all succulents it is not for planting in areas with much foot traffic. It is best to pick a good location for the ghost plant and then don’t move it. It mixes beautifully with other succulents and alpines.

Propagation: It is is propagated by the division of offshoots or by individual leaves, rooted in sand or in dry vermiculite. Any rosette that breaks off has the potential to root and start a new plant. Even a leaf that drops off will root below the parent plant and produce a new rosette quickly. Because leaves and cuttings root effortlessly, graptopetalums are among the easiest succulents to propagate.