Ghost plant care guide
Graptopetalum paraguayense
Quick answer
Water your ghost plant when the soil has dried out completely. In summer that’s typically every 11 to 17 days.
- WateringEvery 11 to 17 days · summer
Every 22 to 34 days, sometimes less often · winter - LightBright / direct light
- Climate10–27 °C (50–81 °F)
- Pet safetyPet-safe (non-toxic)
Not sure it’s this plant?Get the free Botanicaly app and find out with a photoWhen and how to water
- Summer · Jun–AugEvery 11 to 17 days
- Winter · Dec–FebEvery 22 to 34 days, sometimes less often
Use room-temperature water and let any excess drain. Never leave the pot sitting in standing water.
Work out your own rhythm with the watering calculator.
Light and placement
Bright / direct light
Ghost plant needs several hours of direct sun. Turn the pot every week so it grows evenly. Place it directly in front of a south- or southwest-facing window.
Feeding
Feed your ghost plant every 30 days while it’s actively growing. Use a cactus and succulent fertilizer, which is lower in nitrogen, at half the strength on the label, and only on soil that’s already damp.
When growth pauses, skip the fertilizer and let it rest.
Temperature & humidity
Climate10–27 °C (50–81 °F)
Humidity30–60%
Ghost plant is comfortable between 10 and 27 °C (50–81 °F). It handles a cool room well, even in winter, as long as it stays above 5 °C (41 °F).
It does best at 30–60% humidity. It doesn’t need misting.
Common problems
Yellowing, drooping, and dry edges often point to watering or drainage. Compare the signs before changing the routine.
Find what’s wrong
Toxic to pets?
No. Pet-safe.
Ghost plant is non-toxic to cats and dogs. Safe to keep in a home with pets.
Pet-safety information in the JungleBook uses ASPCA reference data where available. It is reference information, not veterinary advice.
Common questions
How often should I water a ghost plant?
Water your ghost plant (Graptopetalum paraguayense) when the soil has dried out completely. In summer, that’s typically every 11 to 17 days. In winter, slow down to every 22 to 34 days, sometimes less often.
How much light does a ghost plant need?
Ghost plant needs several hours of direct sun. Turn the pot every week so it grows evenly. Place it directly in front of a south- or southwest-facing window.
Is ghost plant safe for cats and dogs?
Ghost plant is non-toxic to cats and dogs. Safe to keep in a home with pets.
Why is my ghost plant turning yellow or drooping?
Yellowing, drooping and brown tips can have several causes. Check the potting mix before adding water and follow this plant’s watering and rest instructions. If the mix is still wet, do not add more water. Check drainage and roots, then light, humidity, water quality and pests. Faded color or webbing alone does not show that the roots need water.
Sources
- This guide follows established plant-care guidance and official ASPCA pet-safety references. How we verify our plant data →
- How we check our plant advice
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