Graptopetalum paraguayense aka Ghostplant

Graptopetalum paraguayense has two common names: ghost plant and mother-of-pearl plant. It is a succulent that stays green all year. It belongs to the Crassulaceae family. It comes from Tamaulipas, Mexico, where it grows in desert or dry shrubland. This plant lives for years and forms low clumps. Leaf rosettes grow at the stem tips. Garden plants reach about 0.5–1 foot [0.15–0.3 metres] tall. They spread 2–3 feet [0.6–0.9 metres] wide. RHS gives larger limits: 1.6 feet [0.5 metres] tall and 3.3 feet [1 metre] wide.

The round, grey stems grow longer and start to trail. Old leaves fall off, leaving bare stems below each rosette. Rosettes span about 0.25–0.5 feet [0.08–0.15 metres]. The thick leaves have smooth edges and pointed tips. Some are triangular; others are spathulate, or shaped like spoons. A grey surface bloom gives them a pale sheen. The leaves store water to help with dry spells. Sun and hot, dry weather bring out pink tones. In part shade, leaves may look blue-grey.

Small flowers grow in star-shaped groups on branched stalks. NC State and LLIFLE report white petals with red spots. Both place bloom time in spring, though it may start in late winter. RHS instead reports yellow and red blooms in summer. The flowers give a brief contrast to leaves that last. The trailing stems suit pots, hanging baskets, and edges above stones. Gardeners also grow it in rock gardens and as ground cover. It needs little routine care and resists deer.

Grow it in sun or part shade. Use soil that drains well, such as sandy or rocky soil. Once settled in, it copes with drought. RHS accepts acid, neutral, and alkaline soils. Under glass, RHS advises bright light and peat-free, loam-based compost. Water more in spring and summer. Keep it just moist through winter. RHS also advises a dilute, low-nitrogen feed each month in spring and summer. Its UK hardiness rating is H2. Protect it from freezing. NC State reports that it can survive down to 15°F with protection. RHS takes a more cautious view.

You need not prune, but trimming stems can make growth bushier. Grow new plants from leaves, stem cuttings, or seed. You can also divide plants. Serious pests and diseases rarely cause problems. Watch for aphids, mealybugs, and vine weevil. ASPCA lists this plant under another name, Sedum weinbergii. It rates the plant as non-toxic to cats, dogs, and horses. This does not show that people can safely eat it.