Graptopetalum

( grap - toh - PET - al - um )

At-A-Glance Information

Also called Letherpetal or Ghost Plant, this genus of succulent, low-growing perennials includes species which have low water needs and enjoy full sun exposure to perform well in the garden. They are native to arid regions of the southern United States (Arizona) and northern Mexico. Most species form rosettes of succulent leaves and have a slowly clustering habit. Use these succulents in rock gardens or as a groundcover in xeric landscapes. They also do well in containers, where their foliage can spill over the sides.

Graptopetalum Species and Varietals

The genus Graptopetalum is a member of the plant family Crassulaceae and includes 19 species. The best growing zones for these plants are USDA hardiness zones 7-11. To find your zone, click here: Zone Map.

Graptopetalum amethystinum (Lavender Pebbles, Jewel-Leaf Plant, Wine Coolers, Wedding Almond)
This species of Graptopetalum is native to Mexico, and produces rosettes that reach up to 3-6 inches in diameter. Thick, fleshy stems form over time and can reach up to 1 foot tall, eventually sprawling or hanging. Leaves are chubby, succulent, and pink to purple with a bluish bloom.

Graptopetalum bellum (Tacitus bellus) (Chihuahua Flower)
Discovered in 1972, this rare species is native to northern Mexico. It is a perennial plant with a slowly clustering habit. Leaves are greenish blue with pointed tips, forming rosettes of foliage to 4 inches wide. Flowers are dark pink. This species can take more shade than others in the genus, and requires a low temperature for flowering in springtime (about a month at 60 degrees Fahrenheit or less).

Graptopetalum paraguayense (Mother of Pearl Plant, Ghost Plant, Porcelain Succulent)
This species has a spreading, creeping habit and reaches up to 8 inches tall and 2 feet wide. It produces white flowers in springtime. Leaves are blue-green and succulent with a whitish bloom. This species is native to Tamaulipas, Mexico.

Caring for Graptopetalum

Handle these plants gently, as leaves are delicate and will break off of plants easily. Plant Graptopetalum succulents in a space in the landscape that receives full sun; ideally, they appreciate between 6 and 8 hours of sun each day for the best color and blooms, though there are some species that can handle a little bit more shade. See the species descriptions above for more information. Ensure that soil is well-draining and has a pH of between 6.0 and 7.0 (slightly acidic to neutral). If local soils do not drain well, make sure to amend the planting area with plenty of sand and rocks before installing. Apply a layer of rock mulch around the planting area to suppress weed growth, maintain consistent soil temperatures, and to increase soil moisture retention.

Water new plantings regularly as they establish a strong root system in their new home. When established, these succulents are drought-tolerant, able to get by on rainwater alone for much of the year with supplemental waterings during extended periods of drought. Soil can be allowed to dry out completely between waterings. Pruning is simple; remove any damaged, diseased, or dead foliage at any time during the growing season, and remove spent flower spikes to neaten up the appearance of plants and encourage reblooms. Protect plants from frost and high heat (above 85 degrees Fahrenheit). Graptopetalum plants are considered long-lived perennials, able to survive for over 10 years in the landscape before needing to be replaced.

Caring for Graptopetalum in Containers
Choose a container that is at least a few inches wider and deeper than the nursery pot or root ball. Ensure that the pot has adequate drainage holes on the bottom to allow for excess water to flow away. Fill with a well-draining potting mix amended with perlite and sand or rocks, and top with a layer of rock mulch to suppress weed growth, maintain consistent soil temperatures, and to increase soil moisture retention. Water regularly as the plant establishes itself in its new home. Once established, waterings can be lessened; Graptopetalum succulents are drought-tolerant. Allow soil to dry out between waterings. Prune to remove dead, damaged, or diseased foliage at any time during the growing season. Every few years, check the bottom of the pot to ensure that the plant is not outgrowing its root space. If roots are growing through the drainage holes in the bottom of the container, it is a good indication that it needs to be potted up; choose a slightly larger container and repot.

Propagation

The best way to propagate Graptopetalum is by cutting in springtime. To propagate your succulent, you will need a clean, sharp knife or garden shears and a pot filled with a well-draining potting mix (if you will not be replanting in the ground). When you have gathered your materials, follow the directions below to propagate your succulent:

Use your clean, sharp garden shears or knife to cut off a piece of stem with leaves. Place this cutting on its side and leave it in a dry, warm, shaded spot for at least three days. This will cause the root end to heal and form a hard callous. Doing this helps the plant avoid root rot when it gets planted in potting mix.
Fill your pot with the potting mix described above, and then place the calloused end of your cutting into the soil. Push down until the cutting can stay upright without assistance. Place the pot in a spot that receives bright, indirect light and water lightly once a week. Do not allow the soil to become too moist or dry out completely.
Your cutting should grow roots in about two weeks, whether or not it is placed in potting medium. To check for roots, lightly tug on the plant. If it resists, you have roots.