Pachyphytum Succulent Care Guide

The genus Pachyphytum, of the family Crassulaceae, is composed of 17 species of succulent plants native to Mexico. Some species are Pachyphytum oviferum, Pachyphytum bracteosum, Pachyphytum hookeri, Pachyphytum viride.

They are small succulent plants with whitish stems and thick flattened egg-shaped leaves with a waxy coating that gives them a whitish color. Pachyphytum produces flower stalks with small greenish-white bell-shaped flowers. They bloom during the spring.

These slow-growing, easy-to-grow plants are often used in greenhouses and in pots for balconies, terraces, and well-lit interiors.

pachyphytum succulents

How to Care Pachyphytum

Pachyphytum is fairly easy to grow, but it is quite susceptible to low temperatures and excess water. Here is how to care for it:

Lighting

It needs to grow in sites with very good lighting but never exposed to the direct midday sun. It is recommended to grow under protective nets. In temperate countries can be kept in the sun as long as temperatures do not exceed 20°C. In shady conditions, the growth is disproportionate and weak affecting considerably the aesthetics of the plant.

Temperature

Grows very well in hot climates with temperatures averaging between 20-35°C. It is susceptible to stem and root rot if temperatures are below 5°C.
Substrate:

It requires a substrate with optimal drainage and aeration for perfect growth. Pachyphytum does not survive in compact and waterlogged substrates; it rots easily.

Watering Frequency

Water only when the substrate has dried out completely. It is a species capable of withstanding long droughts thanks to the water storage in its leaves. In winter only water if the plant really needs it.

Pests and Diseases

It can be attacked by mealybugs (sometimes very difficult to remove because they get between the compact leaves), aphids, and mollusks (snails and slugs). Be very careful with the latter because they can devour a large part of your plant in a few hours.

pachyphytum succulents care

How to Propagate Pachyphytum

The propagation of this succulent is very simple from leaf cuttings. The leaves should be protected for 24 hours for the wound to heal. Then they should be placed on a sandy and humid substrate until they begin to form roots.

Pink Moonstone Succulent Plant - Pachyphytum bracteosum - Easy to grow -2.5" Pot
  • Easy to grow succulent
  • Prefers very bright light, morning sun or full sun
  • Water when dry
About Henry Morgan

We are the Morgans, Henry, and Julia, both agronomists from the University of Michigan, where we met. We are experts in putting our hands in the soil and developing organic foods and improving production processes for decades. Likewise, we have worked for companies such as Mondelez International, BASF, Monsanto, etc. currently in our role as science writers for TheGardenStyle.com as well as advisors in promoting large scale food growing in urbanized areas. In this website, we share what we are most passionate about, gardening and farming. Enjoy and see real photos on our website.