Pachyphytum OVIFERUM

Pachyphytum OVIFERUM - Sugaralmond plant, Moonstones, Pachyphytum oviferum.

Pachyphytum is a genus of compact leaf succulent plants in the family Crassulaceae, including about 10 species growing primarily in mountainous regions of Central and Northern Mexico. These plants are adapted to bright sun and significant daily temperature fluctuations, accumulating moisture in fleshy leaves and enduring prolonged periods of drought.

Representatives of the genus are perennial low-growing succulents with short fleshy stems 15-30 cm (6-12 in) long and a branched system of thin roots. The leaves are thickened, short-petioled, up to 4 cm (1.6 in) long, arranged spirally and forming dense rosettes. The surface is covered with a waxy coating with a silvery sheen, giving them a grayish-white, glaucous, or bluish-green tint, which is why the plant is often called "moonstone". Flower stalks are long, bearing drooping racemes of bell-shaped flowers of pink-orange or reddish color, sometimes with greenish petal tips.

Flowering is observed in spring and summer. After blooming, dry multi-seeded fruits are formed.

Pachyphytum oviferum is the most popular species for home growing. It is a small bushy plant with a short fleshy erect stem 10-20 cm (4-8 in) high, on which grow gray-blue obovate leaves 2-5 cm (0.8-2 in) long and 2-3 cm (0.8-1.2 in) thick, covered with a pinkish waxy bloom. The stem is almost entirely covered with leaves, with only the oldest lower parts becoming bare.

In July-September, curved flower stalks up to 20 cm (8 in) in height grow, bearing raceme-like inflorescences with greenish-white bell flowers with pink speckles. The opening of buds occurs gradually, starting from the lower part of the inflorescence. The sepals have a white-blue color. This species is called "sugared almond".

Seeds are characterized by low natural germination, not exceeding 50%. Before sowing, seeds are soaked in warm water for 12-24 hours. Sowing is carried out in a loose substrate of leaf mold and sand or in a light sandy-peat mix with burying no more than 2-3 mm (0.08-0.12 in). The soil is moistened with a spray bottle and covered with glass or transparent film to maintain constant humidity. Germination is carried out in the light, but without direct sunlight, at a temperature of 22-26 °C (72-79 °F). Daily ventilation and humidity control are conducted, avoiding both drying out and waterlogging.

Sprouts appear in 15-25 days; the minimum period is about 15 days, and the maximum possible is more than 40 days. After the first leaves appear, the cover is removed, and young plants are gradually acclimated to open air and bright light. Pricking out is not required - seedlings are transplanted into individual pots as they grow.

Special notes: Seeds are very (!) small.

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Pachyphytum is very easy to grow under home conditions. It prefers bright diffused light; keeping it in partial shade will not kill the plant, but will lead to loss of compact growth, discoloration of leaves, and absence of flower stalks. The optimal placement is on windowsills of south, east, and west windows. On windowsills of north windows and during winter, it requires supplemental lighting. The maintenance temperature in spring-summer is 20-25 °C (68-77 °F), in winter - 11-16 °C (52-61 °F); temperatures of 10 °C (50 °F) and below are fatal to the plant. It tolerates dry air well and does not require additional humidification; water drops falling on the leaves can wash off the waxy coating and spoil its appearance. Watering in the summer period should be regular, but with mandatory drying of the soil by one-third, as excessive moisture leads to rotting of roots and stems. Winter watering is restricted to a minimum.

Small containers with well-drained substrates are used for cultivation. A mixture of equal parts garden soil, small pebbles, and sand, or ready-made soils for succulents and cacti can be used. It is repotted in spring once every two years. Feed 3-4 times in the period from April to October with mineral fertilizers for cacti with minimal nitrogen content and a predominance of potassium. Pachyphytum is resistant to diseases and is not prone to insect attacks.