Byrnesia weinbergii Rose
Ghost plant
A rosette-forming succulent in the family Crassulaceae, native to northeastern Mexico. Its flattened ovate leaves display a pale bluish-grey to lilac colouration with a striking waxy coating (pruina) that gives the plant a ghostly appearance. It has been widely adopted as a garden and collection plant worldwide. Taxonomically, the species was described by Joseph Nelson Rose as Byrnesia weinbergii, though its currently accepted name is Graptopetalum paraguayense.
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© Didier Descouens (Archaeodontosaurus), Muséum de Toulouse
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Overview
| Category | Classification |
|---|---|
| Family | Crassulaceae |
| Genus | Byrnesia |
| Growth Habit | Rosette-forming succulent, prostrate to semi-creeping, branching from the base; produces stolons with secondary rosettes |
| Conservation Status | Least Concern (LC) — widely cultivated |
| pH Target | 6.0–7.5 |
| Type | Highly draining mineral substrate; sandy-loam with high proportion of inorganic material |
Origin & Habitat
Requirements
Soil & Substrate
Type
Highly draining mineral substrate; sandy-loam with high proportion of inorganic material
groups Beneficial Associations
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Propagation Strategy
P
O
Every 2–3 years or when rosettes fill the container completely
Diluted cactus and succulent fertiliser once a month in spring and summer; no fertilising in autumn and winter
Uses & Applications
Precautions / Toxicity
Considered non-toxic to humans; may cause mild digestive upset in pets if ingested in large quantities
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Plant Health
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"The species was originally described by Rose in 1905 as Byrnesia weinbergii, but molecular studies placed it in Graptopetalum as G. paraguayense. The synonymy is widely accepted, though the name Byrnesia still appears in historical catalogues and botanical collections. The waxy pruina reduces transpiration and acts as a natural sunscreen."
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Scientific Integrity
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Sources
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Discussion
Disclaimer
This species record is provided for educational and informational purposes only. Jardín Roca Negra does not guarantee the accuracy or completeness of the data. Content is community-curated and may be subject to revision; it should not replace advice from a qualified botanist. This species may be toxic, invasive, or subject to legal restrictions — verify before handling or cultivating. Jardín Roca Negra accepts no liability for any harm arising from reliance on this information. Images are reproduced under Creative Commons or equivalent free licenses; credits are noted below each image.