About
Pachyphytum bracteosum, silver bracts, is a compact, perennial succulent forming rosettes of short, rounded, fleshy, silvery-grey leaves sometimes flushed pink in strong light. In late spring and early summer, upright stems bear bright-red flowers enclosed in long, silvery bracts. A beautiful and easy-care succulent for a sunny greenhouse bench or windowsill.
About the genus
Pachyphytum are small, rosette-forming succulent shrubs from Mexico with thick, fleshy, almond-shaped green to purple leaves and bell-shaped, greenish-white to dark-red flowers hanging from arching stems. Easy-care succulents for sunny positions.
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun
Soil typeSand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureWell-drained
AspectSouth-facing, West-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH2
Plant details
Plant typeCactus Succulent, Houseplants
HabitClump forming
FoliageEvergreen
Height0.1-0.5 metres
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesHouseplants, Patio and container plants
Care notes
CultivationGrow in sharply drained cactus compost in a greenhouse (minimum 5°C), or as a houseplant on a sunny windowsill. Water moderately while in growth and keep almost dry at other times. Apply a low-nitrogen fertiliser every 6-8 weeks in spring and summer. See houseplant cacti and succulent cultivation for further information
PruningNo pruning required
PropagationPropagate by seed sown at 19-24°C in spring, or by leaf cuttings in summer
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to mealybugs when grown under glass
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free