Graptopetalum Succulents: Meet the Ghost Plant, Lavender Pebbles & More

Graptopetalum is a striking genus of succulents native to Mexico and the southwestern United States. Loved for their rosette shapes and glaucous leaves, these hardy plants come in a variety of colours—ranging from silvery-lavender to dusty green and purple—making them a favourite among collectors and landscape designers alike.

The most well-known Graptopetalum is Graptopetalum paraguayense, often called the “ghost plant” due to its pale, almost spectral appearance. Another popular type is Graptopetalum amethystinum (also sold under the common name “Lavender Pebbles”) with its chubby, amethyst-toned leaves. Gardeners also enjoy Graptopetalum ‘Francesco Baldi’ for its trailing habit and soft coloration, making it perfect for hanging baskets and succulent arrangements.

These plants form part of the Crassulaceae family and are closely related to Graptoveria (a hybrid with Echeveria). While slow-growing, they are exceptionally resilient and suitable for both indoor pots and drought-tolerant outdoor rock gardens in Australia. Their thick, fleshy leaves store water, making them ideal for hot, dry climates, and their growth habit is mostly spreading or trailing. In ideal conditions, they can flower with delicate star-shaped blossoms ranging from white to pale yellow or pink.

In Australia, ghost plants are particularly popular in New South Wales, Victoria, and parts of Western Australia where cooler nights help enhance their pastel tones. When exposed to direct sunlight, Graptopetalum paraguayense leaves can develop pink, lilac, or bluish hues—making them an ideal specimen plant for sunny balconies or mixed succulent beds.

Beyond their ornamental value, Graptopetalums are also beginner-friendly. Their ease of propagation (especially via fallen leaves), minimal water needs, and attractive colour variations make them a standout choice for first-time succulent growers or DIY terrarium enthusiasts.

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How to Grow and Care for Graptopetalum in Australia

To grow Graptopetalum successfully in Australia, you need to replicate its native desert-like conditions—bright light, excellent drainage, and infrequent watering. These succulents are highly adaptable to a range of growing conditions but thrive best with the following care guidelines:

Sunlight: Graptopetalum loves full sun to part sun. Indoors, place it near a north-facing window. Outdoors, provide at least 4–6 hours of morning sunlight to maintain compact rosette formation and vibrant leaf colour.
Soil: Use a free-draining cactus mix or make your own by blending potting soil with coarse sand, perlite, and pumice. Avoid moisture-retentive soils which can cause root rot.
Watering: Water deeply but infrequently. Allow the soil to fully dry out between waterings. In winter, reduce watering to once a month or less.
Temperature: These succulents tolerate light frost but prefer warm, dry conditions. Bring pots indoors if temperatures dip below 4 °C, especially in Victoria or Tasmania.
Pests: Watch for mealybugs and aphids, especially on flowering stems. Treat infestations with neem oil or insecticidal soap.

For optimal colour development, especially in Graptopetalum amethystinum, provide strong light and minimal water. Plants grown in shade or overwatered conditions often turn greener and lose their pastel hues. If your plant becomes leggy, it’s a sign it’s not getting enough sunlight.

Fertilising is optional, but a light application of a balanced, diluted fertiliser during the active growing season (spring and summer) can encourage growth and flowering. Choose a product with balanced macronutrients (e.g., NPK 20-20-20) and avoid overfeeding—succulents are sensitive to excess nutrients.

Pruning isn’t usually necessary, but you can remove damaged leaves or trim overgrown stems to encourage denser growth. Fallen leaves can be left to propagate naturally in the pot—simply let them callous over for a day, then lay on top of soil and mist occasionally.

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Propagation, Toxicity & Common Questions About Graptopetalum

Graptopetalum are some of the easiest succulents to propagate. You can multiply them through leaf cuttings, stem cuttings, or offsets (“pups”). The key to success is allowing cuttings to dry for 24–48 hours before placing them on well-draining soil. Mist lightly until roots form, then water sparingly.

One of the most common varieties, Graptopetalum paraguayense (ghost plant), produces small offsets at the base of the plant which can be gently removed and replanted once roots have developed. These offsets typically sprout in spring and summer.

When pollinated (typically via hand-pollination in home gardens), Graptopetalum flowers produce seed pods—but propagation from seed is slow and less reliable than from leaves or pups. For hobbyists interested in hybridisation (e.g., creating Graptoveria), flower pollination becomes more important.

Answers to Common Questions

Is Graptopetalum toxic to cats? No, Graptopetalum is generally considered non-toxic to cats and dogs. However, ingestion may cause mild digestive upset if consumed in large amounts.
How do you pollinate Graptopetalum flowers? Use a soft brush or cotton swab to transfer pollen from one flower to another. Best results occur in early morning when flowers are freshly open.
What’s the difference between Graptopetalum and Graptoveria? Graptopetalum is a pure genus, while Graptoveria is a hybrid between Graptopetalum and Echeveria. Graptoveria tend to be more compact and often feature more vibrant hues.
Why is my ghost plant losing its colour? Fading colour typically indicates low light or overwatering. Move the plant to a sunnier position and reduce watering to bring back its lavender-pink tones.
How fast do Graptopetalum grow? These plants are moderate growers. With good sunlight and correct watering, you can expect noticeable growth in spring and summer, with offsets appearing annually.

To keep your ghost plant or lavender pebbles healthy and vibrant, we recommend applying a gentle, complete nutrient boost once a month during spring and summer. CompleteGrow’s All Purpose Plant Liquid Fertiliser (NPK 20-20-20) provides balanced nutrition and trace elements ideal for succulents. Use at a reduced dose: ½ tsp per 5L of water, applied to moist soil.