About
Pachyphytum oviferum, moonstones, is a clump-forming succulent producing short stems of fleshy, rounded, white-frosted, glaucous leaves � resembling pale eggs. In spring it bears arching spikes of red flowers with glaucous outer petals. One of the most ornamental and popular of all rosette succulents for a sunny windowsill or greenhouse bench.
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, East-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH2
Plant details
Plant typeCactus Succulent
HabitClump forming
FoliageEvergreen
Height0.1-0.5 metres
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height1-2 years
Suggested usesHouseplants
Native toMexico
Care notes
CultivationGrow in pots of 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 in spring at 21°C, or by leaf cuttings in summer
Pest resistanceGenerally pest-free
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free