Care and maintenance of the Echeveria lilacina – Ghost plant

The Echeveria lilacina , also known as the ghost plant, is a graceful succulent with a delicate, almost ethereal appearance. The light gray to silvery leaves form a compact rosette that looks like a work of nature. This makes the ghost plant a popular choice for both indoor and outdoor gardens. Fortunately, this beauty is as easy to care for as it is beautiful.

The Echeveria lilacina needs a sunny location to grow optimally. Place the plant in a spot where it will receive a lot of indirect sunlight, such as a sunny windowsill or patio. Direct morning or evening sun is ideal, but avoid intense midday sun, which can burn the leaves. Without sunlight, the plant can lose its compact shape and “stretch,” which diminishes its graceful appearance.

Like other succulents, the ghost plant has low water requirements. Allow the soil to dry out completely before watering again. In winter, when the plant is dormant, watering can be reduced even further. Always ensure that no water remains in the rosette, as this can cause leaf rot. A well-draining cactus soil is essential to quickly drain excess water.

As for fertilizing, you can use a diluted cactus fertilizer during the growing season (spring and summer) about once a month. This will support growth and help the plant maintain its unique color and shape. The Echeveria lilacina is a slow grower, which means it does not need to be repotted often. If you do repot it, do so in the spring and use a pot that is slightly larger than the current one.

The ideal temperature for the ghost plant is between 15-25 °C. It is not frost-resistant, so if it is kept outside, make sure to bring it inside before the temperature drops below 5 °C.