Graptopetalum Calavatum × Graptosedum 'Calaveras'
Description
The Graptopetalum calavatum- commonly called Ghost Plant or Mother of Pearl-is an intergeneric hybrid succulent resulting from mixing the chubby-headed Graptopetalum with Sedums that tend to be low-growth. All parts are succulent, from its pale pastel blue-grey to soft lavender-pink chubby-headed leaves and branches, which are coated lightly with a white, dusty meal (farinna). This meal gives the entire plant the characteristic pearly look when viewed together. Older plants tend to develop more elongated stems which trail off in every direction, so old bits usually sprawled a bit more than the young rosette shown.
Mother of Pearl Prefers bright and indirect light with tolerance for some few hours of direct sun, especially at a morning time or at an afternoon period. Eastern or western light with partial shade for the balkon is also an awesome option.This light level will keep it colourful and the rosettes tight-formed. If the light is not sufficient then the stems will go leggy and the colours dull down into one green all over. Because of its trailing habit The Ghost Plant is most suitable for hanging baskets or a tiered plant stand/shelf It will introduce delicate pastels nicely in mixed planting.
A resilient and drought tolerant succulent that's easy to care for and good for new and seasoned plant parents too - this is forgiving if you forget to water! This succulent grows at a medium rate and gains speed in cooler, spring/autumn months slowing its growth in hottest summer and winter conditions. They also produce a baby plant easily from a leaf or stem cutting so you can grow more plants easily.
Key Features
- Plump, pastel blue-grey to lavender-pink leaves with a powdery, pearlescent coating
- Rosette gradually becomes trailing and sprawling as the plant matures
- Tolerates bright indirect light as well as some gentle direct sun
- Drought-tolerant succulent that needs only occasional watering
- Considered non-toxic to humans and pets
- Can be easily propagated from leaf or stem cuttings
- Moderate grower, most active in the cooler months of spring and autumn
- Soft, pastel colouring that pairs well in mixed succulent displays
Care at a Glance
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Sunlight
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Bright, indirect light with some gentle direct sun; avoid harsh midday sun
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Watering
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Allow soil to dry out completely, then water deeply; reduce further in winter
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Temperature
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Prefers 15-27°C; protect from frost and cold drafts
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Humidity
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Maintain low humidity; stay away from musty, unventilated areas
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Repotting
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Only when the plant becomes pot-bound, roughly every few years
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Growth Rate
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Moderate – grows actively in the spring and fall, slower through summer and winter
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Product Specifications
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Plant Common Name
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Graptopetalum Calavatum (Ghost Plant / Mother of Pearl)
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Botanical Name
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×Graptosedum 'Calaveras' (syn. Graptosedum clavatum)
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Plant Type
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Succulent
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Life Cycle
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Perennial
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Suitable Location
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Windowsills, hanging planters, balconies, shelves
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Sunlight Exposure
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Bright, indirect light (maybe an hour of soft, direct sun)
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Bloom Period
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Spring (small, star-shaped pale yellow to white flowers)
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Special Features
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Soft powdered leaves coating a pastel, mother-of-pearl rosette
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Plant Size at Dispatch
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3 inches
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Bare-rooted/Pot
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Optional
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Pot Size
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3-inch plastic nursery pot
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Pot Material
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Plastic
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Soil Type
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Well-draining succulent/cactus mix
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Country of Origin
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India
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Brand
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Plant Orbit
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Seller
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Plant Orbit Haldwani
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What's in the Box
- 1 × Live Graptopetalum Calavatum plant
- 1 × Nursery pot (Bare-rooted/Pot: Optional)
- Potting mix
- Basic care guide
Important Notes
- Each plant is a living thing, so natural variation in rosette shape, colour, and stem length is normal
- The powdery farina coating on the leaves rubs off easily with handling and does not grow back, so it's best to avoid touching the leaves unnecessarily
- Colour intensity depends on light exposure; plants kept in lower light will look plainer green with less pastel tone
- It’s not unusual for your succulent to lose a few small leaves in transit and should bounce back after a couple of weeks
- Don't throw into a bright, harsh midday light immediately after unboxing; gradually introduce the plant to it
- Try to avoid water logged soil. The most common reason why this hybrid goes rotten, is through being over-watered.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: My Graptopetalum Calavatum is turning green when it was originally pinkish-pale blue. Why?
A: Pastel tones on this plant are primarily attributed to light. If it’s not receiving enough bright light exposure the rosette will lose colour and start developing into a dull green and stems will begin to etiolate (stretch out). Placing the plant in a location with ample bright, indirect and some mild direct sun is best to restore the pastel tones back within several weeks.
Q: What should I do about watering?
A: Deeply and let the soil dry out completely. For much of the growing season (it’ll vary with your climate and pot size), that could be about once every 10-14 days; definitely less when it’s toasty outside or deep in winter.
Q: Can I grow Graptopetalum Calavatum indoors?
A: You can yes, though it needs at least a few hours of very bright but indirectly daylit indoors; light shining into an east or west window is best. A little mild morning or evening sunlight will even keep up its colouring.
Q: How quickly does this plant grow?
A: Graptopetalum Calavatum is a moderate growing plant which grows more through the cooler months (spring, autumn) with very little growth over the hottest part of summer, also growing through winter.
Q: When should I re-pot?
A: 1-2 years is usually adequate; spring or fall are the best time for re-potting when most of active growth. You only need to pot to one that is just a little bit larger. Just be sure it has drainage holes.
Q: How is this plant toxic to pets?
A: Graptopetalum Calavatum is regarded as safe around humans and animals; however you should also ensure all plants stay out of reach of inquisitive and chewing pets, especially if there is an interest in eating the leaves and your animal’s care and welfare comes into question.