Pachyphytum MACHUCAE

Pachyphytum MACHUCAE - Machuca's pachyphytum, Pachyphytum machucae, 'Baby Fingers' pachyphytum.

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

Members of the genus are perennial low-growing succulents with short fleshy stems 15-30 cm (5.9-11.8 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 hue, which is why the plant is often called "moonstone". The peduncles are long, bearing nodding racemes of bell-shaped flowers of pink-orange or reddish coloration, sometimes with greenish petal tips.

Flowering occurs in spring and summer. After flowering, dry multi-seeded fruits form.

Machuca's pachyphytum is a gorgeous miniature plant with blue powdered leaves whose tips have a beautiful light-pink tint. They truly resemble the chubby little fingers of infants.

Seeds are characterized by a low natural germination capacity 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 soil and sand or in a light sandy-peat mix with a planting depth of 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 monitoring are conducted, avoiding both drying out and waterlogging.

Seedlings appear after 15-25 days; the minimum period is about 15 days, and the maximum possible is more than 40 days. After the appearance of the first leaves, the cover is removed, and the 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 an absence of peduncles. The optimal placement is on windowsills of southern, eastern, and western windows. On northern windowsills and during the winter period, it needs 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 lower are detrimental to the plant. It tolerates dry air well and does not need additional humidification; drops of moisture falling on the leaves can wash away the waxy coating and spoil the appearance. Watering during the summer period should be regular, but with mandatory drying out of the soil by one-third, as excessive moisture leads to rotting of roots and stems. Winter watering is reduced to a minimum.

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