Graptopetalum Paraguayense (Ghost Plant)

Graptopetalum paraguayensis , or the “ghost plant”, is a great, trailing, wandering, ground cover. We love the colors that this plant brings out in a design, complementing the blues, pinks, and purples that so many of the gorgeous succulents have to offer. Each plant has its own unique coloring and shades to offer. It’s extreme hardiness and coloring make it an incredibly versatile plant. We’ve seen it used as a sprawling ground cover, mounding up and filling in entire planters, or for spot color in the smallest of arrangements. Something overlooked, or sometimes unknown about succulents, is that stress brings out their best color. It’s often a combination of factors that causes the stress and each succulents vibrance, but colder temperatures, less water, and more sun, are the big three factors that come into play. Most succulents, in full sun, in the winter, receiving just the right amount of water, will have the best color here in Southern California. With that being said, there is no “one size fits all” answer to bringing out the best color in each plant. Experiment, tweak, and enjoy playing with your succulents.

More Succulent Tips

Euphorbia Leucodendron – Cat Tails

More architechtual than its more wild counter part, Euphorbia Tirucalli, the Euphorbia Leucodendron has thicker, more erect, and less bushy branches. We like the use of these euphorbia as small shrubbing barriers as it grows only to 4’ tall in containers. The...

Agave Gypsophila

The Fan Aloe, or Aloe Plicatilis, is an extremely branching, highly variable, and thus exceedingly unique plant. Growing as a multi branched shrub, or even a small tree, with specimens reaching 10’-15’ tall! Each stem has its own cluster of individual leaves that run...

Plants That Store Water

What are succulents? Succulents are plants that store water in their leaves, stems, and even roots. It also gives them a more swollen, or fleshy appearance. In fact, the term succulence is specifically given to these plants for this ability. We can also typically...

What Plant Suits Your Best Friend

Take this quiz to see what type of plant is the best gift for your special someone, based on their preferred love language.

6 Trailing Succulents That Look Sublime in Hanging Baskets

Everyone loves trailing plants, and everyone loves succulents, so why not go for the best of both worlds and snag some trailing succulents? They’re the best way to max out your space with lush greenery, even when you don’t have much shelf space. Hang a couple in your...

Kalanchoe Luciae (Thrysiflora)

The Flap Jack Kalanchoe has been misidentified for many years, and still often is, as Thrysiflora, but this vibrant, red edged cultivar is actually Luciae. First described in 1908 and while they both carry the signiture paddle shapped leaves, Luciae stands out from...

5 Succulents That Grow Really Tall, Really Fast!

Teeny tiny succulents are cute and all, but sometimes you want something that grows really tall, really fast, and makes a big style statement. For maximum color and visual interest, without having to wait around for years to see major growth, opt for succulents that...

Blue Curls Echeveria

Echeveria ‘Blue Curls’ is a plant that an entire design can be built around. The colors, shapes, and overall appearance of this echeveria can influence an entire landscape or arrangement. Green, blue, purple, wavy, rosette forming leaves make this plant a true...

Sedum Spectabile

There are well over 500 varieties of sedum. Everything from large, blooming, showy sedum, to houseplants, and smaller trailing ground covers. Many of the common drought tolerant sedum are the smaller, more boutique variety, but this showy sedum can grow quite tall....

Black Rose Aeonium

A great way to bring some soft height into a design. These plants are truly amazing. The name Aeonium ‘Zwartkop’ comes from the dutch translation of “black head”, but it is also thought to have been of a German hybridization going under the name ‘Schwartzkopf’. Plants...

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