Description

Pachyphytum oviferum is a prostrate succulent plantup to 4 inches (10 cm) tall and up to 12 inches (30 cm) wide with white stems bearing pale blue-green to bluish-purple rounded leaves in a rosette at the stems tips. The flowers, which appear in winter to early spring atop reddish 1 foot (30 cm) long stems, have red-orange petals surrounded by fleshy sepals the same color as the foliage.

How to Grow and Care

Pachyphytum will not tolerate frosts well. Temperatures below 20 °F (-6 °C) will kill the plant, and temperatures which may go below 45 °F (7 °C) during extended period should be avoided. Pachyphytum tolerates high heat and intense sunlight. As with most Crassulaceae, Pachyphytumcan tolerate (and even appreciated) poor soil conditions, so long as it is well draining. Pachyphytum can thrive in full or partial sunlight.

Allow the soil to dry out before watering, and be careful to avoid getting water on the leaves. In winter, the plants will require more water, as winter begins its active growth season. If you are unsure when to water your Pachyphytum, watch the lower most leaves for signs of drying and water them then. Pachyphytum is FAR more likely to survive under-watering than over-watering. The thick fleshy leaves will appear wilted and a bit “under-full” when they need water.

Leaf cutting entails cutting a young leaf from near the center of the rosette. Leave the leaf out in the open air for a day to allow the wound to callous over.