Moonstones Succulent (Pachyphytum oviferum) Care and Propagation

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Moonstones Plant, Sugar Almond Plant, Pachyphytum oviferum

Botanical name: Pachyphytum oviferum
Family: Crassulaceae
Common names: Moonstones Plant, Sugar Almond Plant

Description

Moonstones Succulent (Pachyphytum oviferum) also called Sugar Almond Plant is an excellent addition to any succulent collection. It bears succulent, pale blue-green to bluish-purple, egg-shaped leaves and look-like a sugared almond confection and hence the name, 'Sugar Almond'.

The name Pachyphytum oviferum means a thick plant bearing eggs in reference to the thick leaves.

Size

Sugar Almond Plant can grow to a height of about 6 in. and a spread of 1 ft and the white stems bear up to 15 leaves each.

Flower

The inflorescence in Moonstones Plant is comprised of 1 ft stem bearing scarlet, bell-shaped flowers which appear in the cold season.

Origin

Pachyphytum oviferum (Sugar Almond Plant) is native to the rocky cliffs of Mexico.

Toxicity

Moonstones Succulent (Pachyphytum oviferum) is non-toxic to humans and pets. The plants are safe to grow in the home.

Where to Buy

Moonstones Plants are available online at Etsy. Buy Pachyphytum oviferum from Etsy.

Pachyphytum oviferum Care Indoors

Moonstones Succulent (Pachyphytum oviferum) flourishes in bright light to full sunlight away from hot direct sunlight, average warmth and moderately moist, well-drained soil coupled with quarterly feeding during the growing season.

Pachyphytum oviferum requires repotting only when pot-bound. Grooming is necessary to keep the plant neat and tidy. Keep reading for a detailed account on these growing conditions and how to achieve them.

Light Requirements

Moonstones Succulent grows best in bright light to full sunlight; however, protect the plant from hot midday sun.

Turn the pot a quarter turn every few days to ensure that the plant receives adequate light on all sides for uniform growth.

Elongated stems and faded foliage is a sign that the Sugar Almond Plant is not getting adequate light.

Where the natural lighting is inadequate, you can instal a grow light to supplement it.

Should you choose to take the plant outdoors, gradually acclimatize it and place it in a shaded place to avoid scorching of the leaves.

Watering

Water Moonstones Succulent thoroughly during the growing season and allow the top 2-3 in. of soil to dry out between waterings to keep the soil moderately moist.

Significantly lessen watering during the cold season as growth is minimal at this time to keep the soil slightly moist but do not allow the soil to dry out completely.

To test the watering situation, feel the firmness of the lower leaves of the Moonstones Succulent.

If the leaves are firm, no watering is required. If the leaves feel soft, the plant needs water.

Ensure that the pot has a drainage hole to prevent the soil from getting soggy as it can lead to stem-rot.

Avoiding wetting the leaves as it can lead to rotting and water from the bottom instead.

Use water that is at room temperature to avoid plant shock as it can result in reduced growth.

Temperature and Humidity

Average warmth temperatures between 16-26⁰C are ideal for Moonstones Succulent. The sudden change in temperature between day and night is excellent for this succulent.

Average room humidity is adequate for Moonstones Plant. It has no need for high humidity.

Fertilizer

Feed Moonstones Succulent every 3 months during the growing period with a water-soluble, succulents fertilizer as it is not a heavy feeder. Stop feeding during the cold season as growth is minimal at this time.

Potting Medium

The best potting mix for Moonstones Succulent is sandy or rocky soil as it mimicks the soil in its natural habitat like this succulents potting mix available at Amazon.

Repotting

Repot Moonstones Succulent only when the plant has become pot-bound and avoid touching the leaves as too much touching can leave marks on the leaves.

Use a shallow rather than a deep pot as it has shallow roots. A clay pot is preferable because it is porous and therefore allows the soil to dry out faster.

The pot should be only 1 size larger than the current one. Ensure the pot has a drainage hole to prevent the soil from getting soggy as it can lead to root-rot.

Pruning

Prune Moonstones Succulent by removing the dead or diseased leaves to maintain the plant neat and tidy. Cut off the spent flower stem as well.

Propagation

Moonstones Succulent (Pachyphytum oviferum) propagation can be done at the beginning of the growing season. It is propagated from leaf cuttings of a young leaf taken from the center of the rosette.

How to Propagate Moonstones Succulent from leaf cuttings

Take whole leaf cuttings from a healthy Moonstones Succulent. Allow the leaf cuttings to dry (callus) for 1-3 days before planting to prevent rotting.

Place the leaf cutting on slightly moist, free-draining soil and ensure the pot has a drainage hole to prevent the soil from getting soggy as it can lead to rotting.

Position the set up in a warm, brightly-lit place away from direct sunlight to avoid sunburn.

Water sparingly to keep the soil barely moist to prevent rotting of the leaf cutting.

Once a new Sugar Almond Plant rosette has formed on the leaf cutting, pot it in a new pot and pluck off the older leaf when it dries up after which you can begin routine care.

Pachyphytum oviferum Problems

Moonstones Succulent (Pachyphytum oviferum) problems are leaf drop, rotting, leaf spots, leggy growth, shrivelled leaves, pests and diseases among others. Keep reading for more on these problems and how to fix them.

Pests

Moonstones Succulent is prone to Mealy Bugs and Scale Insects. Isolate the affected plant to reduce spread to other houseplants and treat it with Neem oil to get rid of the pests.

Leggy (elongated) growth

Moonstones Succulent leggy growth is an indication that the lighting is inadequate. This is an attempt by the plant to reach light.

Move the Sugar Almond Plant to a more brighter spot where it will receive bright light to full sunlight or instal a grow light if the natural lighting is inadequate.

Leaf drop

Moonstones Succulent leaf drop is due to overwatering or underwatering. Water the plant thoroughly during the growing season while allowing the top 2-3 in. of soil to dry out between waterings.

Cut down on watering during the cold season to maintain the soil slightly moist as growth is minimal at this time but do not allow the soil to dry out completely.

Rotting base, yellowing and shrivelled leaves

Moonstones Succulent rotting base followed by yellowing and shriveled leaves is an indication of basal stem-rot disease which is brought about by overwet conditions.

Reduce the amount and frequency of watering. In addition, make sure that the pot has a drainage hole and the soil is free-draining to avoid getting soggy soil.

Brown soft spots

Moonstones Succulent brown soft spots is an indication of leaf spot disease which is enhanced by poor air circulation. Ensure that there is free air circulation at all times to prevent the disease infestation.