Ghost Plant
Pale grey-pink rosettes with a powdery bloom, on stems that trail and sprawl with age. A pet-safe succulent that shifts colour with the light and roots from any dropped leaf.
The ghost plant is an echeveria lookalike in pale, ghostly pastels: grey-lilac in bright sun, blue-grey in shade, pink-tinged in the cold. The rosettes sit on stems that lengthen and trail over time, so it drapes over a pot edge like a string of pale flowers.
It is one of the most forgiving succulents and every leaf that drops will root.
Light
Full sun for the best colour and compact rosettes. A south or west sill. It tolerates bright indirect light but stretches and greens in it.
Water
Water thoroughly when the soil is completely dry, every twelve days in summer and monthly in winter. Water the soil, not the rosettes, and do not rub the powdery bloom off the leaves.
Soil and potting
A gritty succulent mix in a shallow pot. Repot every couple of years, an inch up.
Feeding
A quarter-strength succulent feed every ten weeks in summer, or none.
Propagation
Leaves and stem cuttings. Twist off a leaf, let it dry a couple of days, lay it on dry mix. Rosettes on long stems can be cut off and re-rooted.
In a hot, dry home
A natural here; it survives outdoors in Phoenix with afternoon shade. Indoors, a hot window is what it wants. Water a touch more in July, only when dry.
Problems and fixes
Stretched stems, spaced leaves
Likely cause: Not enough sun
Fix: Move into direct light; re-root the tops.
Mushy leaves
Likely cause: Overwatering
Fix: Let it dry fully; remove rot.
Dropped leaves everywhere
Likely cause: Normal; the plant is loosely attached
Fix: Root them for new plants.
Ghost Plant questions
Is the ghost plant safe for cats and dogs?
It is regarded as non-toxic to pets, though it is not listed by name on the ASPCA site.
Why does my ghost plant change colour?
Light and temperature. Strong sun brings out pink and lilac tones; shade turns it blue-grey. It is normal and part of the appeal.
How often should I water a ghost plant?
Every twelve days or so in summer and monthly in winter, when the soil is completely dry.
Plants with a similar rhythm
Burro's Tail
- Light
- Bright indirect to direct sun
- Water
- Every 2 weeks
- Pets
- Safe
String of Buttons
- Light
- Bright indirect to direct sun
- Water
- Every 2 weeks
- Pets
- Toxic
