Pachyphytum oviferum
Also known as: Moonstones
The 'moonstones' pachyphytum: fat egg-shaped leaves the colour of pink moonstones, wrapped in the thickest farina of any succulent. It comes from Mexico (San Luis Potosí), stays around Rosette 8–15 cm on short thick stems, and tolerates USDA 9b–11; protect below 2 °C. Individual plants vary, so treat this as a general guide rather than a guarantee.
Key facts
- Genus: Pachyphytum
- Origin: Mexico (San Luis Potosí)
- Mature size: Rosette 8–15 cm on short thick stems
- Hardiness: USDA 9b–11; protect below 2 °C
- Toxicity: Non-toxic
Succulent at a glance
- Genus
- Pachyphytum
- Origin
- Mexico (San Luis Potosí)
- Mature size
- Rosette 8–15 cm on short thick stems
- Growth habit
- Chubby upright rosettes of egg-shaped leaves
- Leaf colour
- Pink-white 'moonstone' leaves with thick farina
- Flower colour
- Red-orange bells on drooping stalks
- Hardiness
- USDA 9b–11; protect below 2 °C
- Toxicity
- Non-toxic
- Other names
- Moonstones
About the Pachyphytum oviferum
The 'moonstones' pachyphytum: fat egg-shaped leaves the colour of pink moonstones, wrapped in the thickest farina of any succulent. Handle only by the stem — fingerprints are permanent.
Care and cultivation
Pachyphytums are slow, compact rosettes with the thickest farina coating in the succulent world. Grow in a very mineral mix, water rarely, and resist touching the leaves — each fingerprint is permanent. In winter keep them almost dry. Light: Bright light with gentle direct sun; farina is thickest in bright but not scorching light. Water: Soak-and-dry; very little in winter. Use a Very gritty mineral mix.
Description
Pachyphytum oviferum is a Pachyphytum succulent from Mexico (San Luis Potosí). The 'moonstones' pachyphytum: fat egg-shaped leaves the colour of pink moonstones, wrapped in the thickest farina of any succulent. Handle only by the stem — fingerprints are permanent.
Identification
Look for: Pink-white 'moonstone' leaves with thick farina leaves in a Rosette 8–15 cm on short thick stems form. Also answers to Moonstones. The genus is Pachyphytum, which already narrows down the care requirements considerably. Nickname: 'Moonstones'.
Frequently asked questions
How often should I water my Pachyphytum oviferum?
Soak-and-dry; very little in winter. Always let the soil dry completely between waterings, and water less in winter when growth slows.
How much light does Pachyphytum oviferum need?
Bright light with gentle direct sun; farina is thickest in bright but not scorching light. If the plant stretches or loses colour, it needs more light.
Related succulents
Succulent information on this page is based on the Wikipedia article on the Pachyphytum oviferum, supplemented with additional research. Reviewed for accuracy.