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. They are sensitive plants to excess of irrigation. They are 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 |