Growing Ghost Plants will not remain a mystery once you know exactly how to grow them vibrantly. Read ahead to learn more!
Ghost plants are evergreen succulents that love warm corners. They have greyish-white, pointed leaves that grow in rosettes. Not only do they add a modern touch to your home, but they also bring balance and positivity. Learn how to grow your Ghost Plants so they bloom magnificently.
Tips to Grow Ghost Plant
1. Light
Ghost Plants love bright light as it brings out the rich colors of their leaves. They can handle some shade, but too much heat can scorch them. In very hot areas, give them filtered afternoon light to dodge sunburn.
If you grow them indoors, place the pot near a south or west-facing window. When natural light falls short, a grow light will keep the leaves from stretching or fading.
2. Soil
A well-draining cactus or succulent mix works best to keep roots from sitting in water and rotting.
For a DIY option, mix potting soil with perlite, coarse sand, or pumice in equal parts. Skip peat moss in large amounts—it clings to water longer than ghost plants can handle.
3. Watering
Water only when the soil is completely dry. In spring and summer, once a week (or every other week, depending on the climate) is enough. In winter, cut back as the plant rests.
When it comes to watering, better safe than sorry—overwatering hurts ghost plants far more than a missed drink.
4. Fertilizer
Fertilize lightly with a diluted, balanced feed in spring and mid-summer. Avoid fertilizing in winter when the plant rests. Too much feed can also dull their beautiful grayish-white look.
5. Temperature
Ghost plants are hardy in zones 9 to 11, but they will often survive temperatures as low as 10°F if they are covered during winter. They can handle hot weather, but their most active growth occurs in the relatively cool periods of spring and fall.
If you live in a colder region, grow them in pots so you can easily bring them indoors when the temperature drops.
6. Humidity
Excess humidity can be a problem in areas with poorly draining soil. Planting your ghost plants in containers or raised beds, as well as spacing them away from each other and away from other plants to increase air circulation, will keep plants healthy.
7. Pruning
Pruning isn’t always needed, but trimming helps maintain their shape and remove damaged leaves. Always use clean, sharp scissors.
Cutting back leggy stems encourages compact growth. And don’t toss those cuttings—they’re ready-made starters for new plants.
8. Propagation
You can easily propagate the ghost plant by leaf cuttings or offsets. First, remove a healthy leaf from the stem, let it callous for a few days, and then place it on top of a soil mix where it will root and form a new plant.
Propagation works best in spring and summer when the plant is actively growing. Just make sure you don’t water the cuttings until tiny roots start to appear.
9. Pests
Common pests that infest ghost plants are Mealybugs, Spider Mites, and Aphids. You can treat them with insecticidal soap or neem oil. Otherwise, you can manually remove them with a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol.
Always check under the leaves and around the base of the plant, as pests usually hide there. Regular inspections can save you from big infestations.
10. Common Problems
Scorched or bleached spots on the leaves, typically occurring after sudden exposure to direct sunlight, can indicate sunburn. Gradually, put your ghost plant in full sun and provide filtered sunlight or partial shade to it, especially in hotter climates, to avoid this.
Another common issue is leaf drop, which often happens when the plant is either overwatered or kept in low light. Fixing these conditions usually brings it back to health quickly.
These 10 tips make Ghost Plants far less mysterious and much easier to grow. Follow them, and your silvery friends will thrive—strong, healthy, and glowing. Share your ghost plant journey with us in the comments!
