Root Rot

Overwatering

To address root rot in ghost plants, first, cease watering immediately and allow the soil to dry out completely. If the plant is severely affected, remove it from its pot, trim away any black, mushy roots, and repot in fresh, well-draining soil. Consider using a pot with better drainage and adjust your watering schedule to prevent future occurrences, ensuring the soil is almost dry before watering again.

Leaf Shriveling

Underwatering

To address leaf shriveling in ghost plants due to underwatering, gradually increase watering frequency, ensuring the soil is allowed to dry out partially between waterings. Use a well-draining soil mix to prevent waterlogging. It's crucial to monitor the plant's response to changes in watering, adjusting as necessary. During hotter months, ghost plants may require more frequent watering. Always check the soil moisture level before watering to avoid overwatering.

Mealybugs Infestation

Mealybugs are small, white, soft-bodied insects that feed on the sap of the ghost plant, leading to weakened growth and potential death if not controlled.

To manage mealybugs, start by isolating the affected plant to prevent the spread to others. Use a cotton swab dipped in alcohol to dab directly onto the pests, effectively killing them without harming the plant. For larger infestations, rinse the plant under a strong stream of water to dislodge the pests, or apply insecticidal soap or neem oil, following the product's instructions carefully. Regularly inspect your plants for early signs of infestation to prevent future outbreaks.

Sunburn

Excessive direct sunlight

Ghost plants (Graptopetalum paraguayense) thrive in bright, indirect light but can suffer from sunburn if exposed to too much direct sunlight, especially during the hottest part of the day. To prevent sunburn, gradually acclimate your ghost plant to brighter conditions over several weeks. If sunburn occurs, move the plant to a location where it will receive bright, indirect light. Sunburned leaves may not recover, but the plant can still produce healthy new growth in proper lighting conditions.