Ghost Plant
The Ghost Plant (Graptopetalum paraguayense) is a succulent native to Mexico that’s known for its pretty foliage and easy care. Its inky green foliage is gently rounded, forming attractive rosettes in shades of pink, purple, and gray. It’s often used in dish gardens, terrariums, and succulent landscapes, and is a popular houseplant. Ghost Plants generally reach a mature size of 6–15 inches tall and wide, but can sometimes grow much larger with proper care and ample room to grow.
Ghost Plants should be kept on the drier side, so only give them thorough waterings when the soil is very dry. Water it deeply, but allow the soil to dry out a little between waterings. During the summer, water it more frequently and actively, as more sunlight will increase its growth rate. About every other week should suffice. During their dormancy in winter, they don’t need as much water, so decrease the amount of water you give them. For an indoor plant, watering about once every month or two should be sufficient.
Ghost Plant is a low-light houseplant, so give yours bright indirect light. Place it near an east-facing window or a few feet away from a south- or west-facing window that’s receiving bright light, blocking part of it with sheer curtains or a window shade. It may also benefit from a few hours of morning or afternoon sun, but avoid harsh, direct sunlight which can cause the leaves to burn or fade. If your plant’s leaves are beginning to look brown-tipped, it may need more light.
Ghost Plants should be kept between about 65 - 85°F (18 - 30°C) year round. It should still be kept relatively warm in the winter, and cool in the summer. If the temperature drops below about 50°F (10°C), it may cause the plant to become dormant. You’ll want to keep it from staying in temperatures below 33°F (0°C) or suffering from frost.
Ghost Plants should be kept in dry or moderately humid environments. They don’t need too much humidity as their native environment is often quite dry. Moderate to average household humidity of 40–50% should be fine for most of the time. Avoid misting if it’s living indoors.
Ghost Plants should be planted in well-draining cactus or succulent potting mix. The soil should be light and airy, so it doesn't hold too much water. You can also mix your own soil with 1 part perlite and 1 part potting soil. The soil should be slightly acidic (a pH of about 6.0) to promote healthy root growth.
Ghost Plant benefits from monthly fertilization in the spring and summer, when it’s actively growing. You can use a diluted liquid fertilizer or a specially formulated cactus and succulent fertilizer. Avoid fertilizing in the fall and winter, during the plant’s dormancy period. When fertilizing, always follow the instructions as different strengths of fertilizer will require different amounts of water.
Ghost Plant is susceptible to common houseplant pests such as spider mites, mealy bugs, and scale. Spider mites are the most common, and can be identified by tiny webs of webbing on the undersides of the leaves. To get rid of them, try spraying the plant with a mixture of neem oil and water every other day. Mealybugs and scale can be removed by wiping the affected areas with soapy water. If that doesn’t work, you can try spraying them with a mixture of rubbing alcohol and water.
Ghost Plants tend to be relatively slow-growing, so they don’t need to be repotted too often. You can wait until the plant has outgrown its current pot before repotting it. Repot it during the active growing season in the spring or summer, when the roots have filled the pot. Use a slightly larger container with fresh potting soil.
Ghost Plants rarely need pruning since they’re a slow-growing plant. If you do need to prune it, only cut the stem or leaf off close to the base. Use sharp, clean scissors or gardening shears for pruning to avoid potential damage to the plant.
Mulching can be helpful for Ghost Plants, especially if you have planted it outdoors. Use a light layer of mulch, such as peat moss, compost, or bark chips. This will help to hold in moisture and keep the soil temperature regulated.
Ghost Plants can be easily propagated from stem cuttings or by dividing the offsets of the main rosette. To propagate from stem cuttings, take a cutting with one or two leaves and let it callous over for several days. Place it in moistened soil and keep it in bright, indirect light. Rooting hormone may help to speed up the process. To propagate from division, carefully remove the offsets from the main rosette and let them callous over for several days. Plant them in moistened soil and keep them in bright, indirect light. They should start to grow soon.
Ghost Plants are relatively low-growing, and don’t require any special kind of support. If it starts to get too tall or is leaning too much, you can use a stake or stick to help support it.
Ghost Plant should have a rest period in the winter when they’re not actively growing. During this time, water less frequently and keep them in cooler tempeartures. Let the soil dry out more between waterings, and avoid fertilizing them. As winter temperatures begin to warm up in spring, they will begin to actively grow again and will need more light and water.
Ghost Plant is non-toxic to pets, both cats and dogs.
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