Graptopetalum paraguayense
Also known as: Mother of pearl plant
The 'mother of pearl plant': ghostly pale rosettes with a thick opalescent powder, trailing on fleshy stems. It belongs to the Graptopetalum genus, comes from Mexico (Chihuahua? Tamaulipas), stays around Rosettes 8–12 cm on trailing stems, and tolerates USDA 9b–11; protect below -2 °C when dry. Individual plants vary, so treat this as a general guide rather than a guarantee.
Key facts
- Genus: Graptopetalum
- Origin: Mexico (Chihuahua? Tamaulipas)
- Mature size: Rosettes 8–12 cm on trailing stems
- Hardiness: USDA 9b–11; protect below -2 °C when dry
- Toxicity: Non-toxic
Succulent at a glance
- Genus
- Graptopetalum
- Origin
- Mexico (Chihuahua? Tamaulipas)
- Mature size
- Rosettes 8–12 cm on trailing stems
- Growth habit
- Sprawling thick-leaved rosettes on trailing stems
- Leaf colour
- Ghostly opalescent grey-pink with thick farina
- Flower colour
- White star flowers with red spots
- Hardiness
- USDA 9b–11; protect below -2 °C when dry
- Toxicity
- Non-toxic
- Other names
- Mother of pearl plant
About the Graptopetalum paraguayense
The 'mother of pearl plant': ghostly pale rosettes with a thick opalescent powder, trailing on fleshy stems. Leaves fall at the slightest touch and each one roots — it self-propagates across any shelf.
Care and cultivation
Graptopetalums are among the easiest succulents: sun, grit, and neglect. The powdery farina that gives them their pastel look does not regenerate, so handle leaves by the stem and water the soil only. Their leaves root so easily that a knocked-off leaf is usually a free plant. Light: Bright light with direct sun; pastel colouring needs sun. Water: Soak-and-dry; very drought-tolerant. Use a Gritty mineral mix.
Description
Graptopetalum paraguayense is a Graptopetalum succulent from Mexico (Chihuahua? Tamaulipas). The 'mother of pearl plant': ghostly pale rosettes with a thick opalescent powder, trailing on fleshy stems. Leaves fall at the slightest touch and each one roots — it self-propagates across any shelf.
Identification
Look for: Ghostly opalescent grey-pink with thick farina leaves in a Rosettes 8–12 cm on trailing stems form. Also answers to Mother of pearl plant. The genus is Graptopetalum, which already narrows down the care requirements considerably. Nickname: 'Mother of pearl plant'.
Frequently asked questions
How often should I water my Graptopetalum paraguayense?
Soak-and-dry; very drought-tolerant. Always let the soil dry completely between waterings, and water less in winter when growth slows.
How much light does Graptopetalum paraguayense need?
Bright light with direct sun; pastel colouring needs sun. If the plant stretches or loses colour, it needs more light.
Related succulents
Succulent information on this page is based on the Wikipedia article on the Graptopetalum paraguayense, supplemented with additional research. Reviewed for accuracy.