Care of the succulent plant Pachyphytum oviferum or Moonstones |
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The genus Pachyphytum, family Crassulaceae, comprises 17 species of succulent plants native to Mexico. Some species are: Pachyphytum oviferum, Pachyphytum bracteosum, Pachyphytum hookeri, Pachyphytum viride. Common names: Pearly Moonstones, Moonstones, Sugaralmond plant, Pink Moon-stones, Pink Moonstones. They are small succulent plants with whitish stems with thick, flattened egg-shaped leaves that have a whitish coating. They produce flower stems with small greenish-white bell-shaped flowers. They bloom during the spring. These slow-growing, easy-to-grow plants are used in greenhouses, in balcony pots, terraces, and as houseplants in bright locations. Pachyphytum oviferum needs very sunny exposure and a hot, dry climate. It's important that in winter they rest at a temperature of 5 -10 ºC (41-50 ºF). The soil can be a commercial substrate for cacti or a mixture, in the same proportions, of coarse siliceous sand and leaf mulch. Water moderately, waiting until the substrate has completely dried. In winter water every 40-45 days. Fertilize in early spring with mineral cactus fertilizer. Prune off wilted flower stems. Pachyphytum oviferum is a sensitive plant to excess of irrigation. Pearly Moonstones is easily propagated by leaf or stem cuttings in summer or from seeds sown in spring in the nursery. |
Images of the succulent plant Pachyphytum oviferum or Moonstones |
 Pachyphytum oviferum  Pachyphytum oviferum |