Moonstones Succulent (Pachyphytum oviferum) Care Indoors, Propagation & Common Problems
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Pachyphytum oviferum also called Sugar Almond Plant is one of the popular succulent plants on account of its 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. The egg-shaped leaves is an adapation of this plant to its natural habitat, the rocky cliffs of Mexico which enable it survive without much water placing it among drought-tolerant plants for any space.
Due to its love for sunshine, Moonstones Plant like Silver Dollar Jade (Crassula arborescens), is perfect for a sunny balcony and other sunny locations.
Botanical name: Pachyphytum oviferum
Family: Crassulaceae
Common names: Moonstones Plant, Sugar Almond Plant
Origin
Pachyphytum oviferum (Sugar Almond Plant) is native to the rocky cliffs of Mexico.
Size
Moonstones Plants are rare plant which can grow to a height of about 6 inches and a spread of 1 ft. The the white stems bear up to 15 leaves each.
Flower
The inflorescence in Moonstones Plant is comprised of 1 feet stem bearing scarlet, bell-shaped flowers which appear in the cold season.
Is Pachyphytum oviferum toxic?
No. Pachyphytum oviferum is non-toxic to humans and pets. Moonstones Plants are safe to grow a home with children, cats, dogs and other pets. However, they should not be eaten.
Where to Buy
Are you looking to add Moonstones Plants to your plant collection? You may obtain these plants online from Etsy (Link to Etsy) or from Amazon (Link to Amazon).
How to Care for Pachyphytum oviferum Indoors
To care for Moonstones Succulent indoors, provide bright light to full sunlight, warmth of 16-260C, humidity of 50-55% and moderately moist, well-drained succulents soil coupled with quarterly feeding in 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.
Watering
How often should I water Moonstones Succulent?
Do not water on a schedule; water Moonstones Succulent liberally in the growing season until water drips through the drainage hole. Allow the top 2-3 inches of soil to dry out between waterings. Keep the soil moderately moist and avoid overwatering to prevent rotting and leaf drop.
Significantly lessen watering in the cold season as growth is minimal at this time to keep the soil slightly moist. Do not allow the soil to dry out completely to prevent wilting, shrivelling and leaf loss.
To test the watering situation, feel the firmness of the lower leaves of the plant. If the leaves are firm, no watering is required. If the leaves feel soft, the plant needs water.
Use water that is at room temperature to avoid cold shock as it can result in reduced growth and leaf drop. Only water with chlorine-free water like rainwater to prevent staining and browning.
Ensure the soil is free-draining and the pot has a drainage hole to prevent waterlogging which can lead to rotting and death of the plant. Avoid wetting the foliage as it can lead to rotting and loss of the plant; you may water from the bottom instead.
Light Requirements
How much light does a Moonstones Succulent need?
Moonstones Succulent needs bright light to full sunlight; however, protect the plant from hot midday sun to prevent scorching.
Elongated stems and faded foliage is a sign that the plant is not getting adequate light. Therefore, if the natural lighting is inadequate, you may instal a grow light to supplement it.
Rotate the pot a quarter turn every few days to ensure that the plant receives adequate light on all sides for uniform growth.
Should you choose to grow the plant outdoors, gradually acclimate it and place it in a shaded place to avoid scorching of the leaves.
Temperature & Humidity
Pachyphytum oviferum thrives in a warmth of 16-260C. The sudden change in temperature between day and night is excellent for this succulent. Keep it away from drafts as they may cause stunted growth and leaf drop.
Moonstones Plant prospers in a humidity of 50-55%; it has no need for extra humidity. Maintain good air circulation to discourage fungal diseases.
Fertilizer
What is the best fertilizer for Moonstones Succulent?
Feed Moonstones Succulent with a water-soluble, succulents fertilizer every 3 months during the growing period as it is not a heavy feeder. Stop feeding in the cold season as growth is minimal at this time.
Potting Mix
What kind of soil mix does Moonstones Succulent like?
The best potting mix for Moonstones Succulent is sandy or rocky soil as it mimicks the soil in its natural habitat. A Cactus and succulents potting mix is ideal for this plant.
Repotting
Repot your Moonstones Succulent only when 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.
Select a pot only 1 size larger and one withs a drainage hole to prevent the soil from getting soggy as it can lead to root-rot. Check out these succulents pots on Amazon.
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.
Pachyphytum oviferum Propagation
Moonstones Succulent propagation is best done at the beginning of the growing season, by use of young leaf cuttings taken from the center of the rosette.
Propagating Pachyphytum oviferum from leaf cuttings
- Take whole leaf cuttings from the center of the rosette of a healthy, young plant.
- Allow the leaf cuttings to dry (callus) for 1-3 days before planting to prevent rotting.
- Fill a rooting container with a well-draining soil and moisten it lightly. Ensure the container has a drainage hole to prevent the soil from getting soggy as it can cause rotting.
- Place the leaf cutting on the slightly moist soil.
- Position the set up in a warm, brightly-lit place away from direct sunlight to avoid scorching.
- Water sparingly to keep the soil barely moist to prevent rotting of the leaf cutting.
- Once a new rosette has formed on the leaf cutting, pot it in a new pot and pluck off the older leaf when it dries up afterwhich you can begin routine care.
Pachyphytum oviferum Problems & Solutions
Moonstones Succulent problems are leaf drop, leggy growth, pests and diseases among others. Keep reading for more on these problems and how to fix them.
Leaf drop
Why are the leaves falling off my Moonstones Succulent?
Leaves are falling off your Moonstones Succulent due to inconsistent watering, soggy soil, temperature stress, too little light or being pot-bound.
How to fix it
Inconsistent watering: Do not water on a schedule; water when the the top 2-3 inches of soil dry out but do not allow the soil to dry out completely.
Soggy soil: Use a pot with a drainage hole and loose, well-draining soil.
Temperature stress: Keep the plant away from sources of drafts like AC units, hot air vents, stoves, windy doors among others.
Too little light: Move the plant to a brighter spot where it will receive bright light to full sunlight or use a grow light if the natural lighting is less.
Being pot-bound: Check the bottom of the pot for roots growing through the drainage hole and repot the plant into a pot 1 size larger.
Leggy growth
Leggy growth on Pachyphytum oviferum is caused by inadequate light. This is an attempt by the plant to reach light source.
How to fix it
Move the 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 enough.
Pests
Common pests of Moonstones Succulent are mealybugs and scale insects which are especially common in dry air conditions.
How to fix it
- Isolate the affected plant to reduce spread to other plants.
- Treat the affected plant with neem oil as recommended by the manufacturer.
- Regularly check between and underneath the leaves for these pests and carry out timely control measures.
- Keep the plant properly pruned to discourage the pests infestations.
Diseases
Pachyphytum oviferum is prone to the following 2 diseases:
1. Basal stem-rot disease which is brought about by overwet conditions. It presents as a rotting base followed by yellowing and shriveled leaves
How to fix it
- Use the upper stem to propagate new plants and discard the infected parts.
- Reduce frequency of watering in fall and winter to reduce occurence of the disease.
2. Leaf spot disease which is enhanced by poor air circulation. It is characterized by brown, soft leaf spots.
How to fix it
- Remove and burn the affected parts to reduce the risk of spread to the rest of the plants.
- Spray the affected plant with Neem oil and ensure to to follow the manufacturer's instructions.
- Keep the plant on the dry side, do not mist it and ensure good air flow.
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