Ghost plant (mother-of-pearl plant) Graptopetalum paraguayense
Ghost plant (mother-of-pearl plant) (Graptopetalum paraguayense) is an evergreen perennial groundcover in the Crassulaceae family, native to Tamaulipas, north-eastern Mexico (not Paraguay, despite the name). It grows 10–30 cm (4–12 in) tall and 30–60 cm (12–24 in) wide, wants full sun and low water, and is hardy to about -5 °C (23 °F). Space plants about 25 cm (10 in) apart.
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Ghost plant (mother-of-pearl plant) at a glance
| Type | Perennial groundcover, evergreen |
|---|---|
| Family | Crassulaceae |
| Mature height | 10–30 cm (4–12 in) |
| Mature spread | 30–60 cm (12–24 in) |
| Spacing | 25 cm (10 in) centre to centre |
| Sun | Full sun, at least 5 h of direct sun a day |
| Water | Low; drought tolerance high, waterlogging tolerance none |
| Soil pH | 6–8 |
| Cold hardiness | About -5 °C (23 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 9) |
| Heat stress | Likely above about 40 °C (104 °F) |
| Flowering | about 52–104 weeks after planting, for 4–7 weeks |
| Wind tolerance | Low |
| Pollinator value | Moderate |
| Edible | Not grown as food |
| Native to | Tamaulipas, north-eastern Mexico (not Paraguay, despite the name) |
| Common in gardens of | 🇲🇽 Mexico, 🇺🇸 United States, 🇦🇺 Australia, 🇪🇸 Spain, 🇮🇹 Italy, 🇯🇵 Japan, 🇰🇷 South Korea |
Is Ghost plant (mother-of-pearl plant) toxic?
- People: not known to be toxic
- Cats: not known to be toxic
- Dogs: not known to be toxic
Not known to be poisonous.
If a child or pet may have eaten part of a plant, call a poison centre or vet straight away.
Companion planting: what to grow with Ghost plant (mother-of-pearl plant)
No well-documented helpful pairing. Group it with plants that like full sun and low water.
Questions about Ghost plant (mother-of-pearl plant)
- How far apart should I plant Ghost plant (mother-of-pearl plant)?
- About 25 cm (10 in) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 30–60 cm (12–24 in).
- Does Ghost plant (mother-of-pearl plant) need full sun?
- Full sun: at least 5 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does Ghost plant (mother-of-pearl plant) need?
- Low water. Drought tolerance is high and waterlogging tolerance none.
- How cold-hardy is Ghost plant (mother-of-pearl plant)?
- It tolerates about -5 °C (23 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 9.
- When does Ghost plant (mother-of-pearl plant) flower?
- About 52–104 weeks after planting, for 4–7 weeks.
- Is Ghost plant (mother-of-pearl plant) poisonous to cats and dogs?
- For cats it is not known to be toxic; for dogs not known to be toxic; for people not known to be toxic. Not known to be poisonous.
- What grows well with Ghost plant (mother-of-pearl plant)?
- There is no well-documented companion pairing for Ghost plant (mother-of-pearl plant). Group it with plants that like the same sun (full sun) and water (low).
Sources and evidence
Evidence grade A (A: strong evidence).
- Plants of the World Online (taxonomy, native range), Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew
- LLIFLE Encyclopedia of Cacti and Succulents, LLIFLE (Living Encyclopedia), Italy
Notes and assumptions
- A plant of dry, sunny places: grow it in gritty, free-draining soil and water deeply but rarely; cold and wet together kill it faster than frost or drought.
- Rosettes of plump leaves in pearly grey, lilac and pink, on stems that sprawl and trail over walls; every fallen leaf roots. The name records an old mistake about where it came from.
Reference values for planning, not horticultural, veterinary or medical advice. Varieties, soils and local climates differ: check with a local nursery or extension service.
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