Pachyphytum bracteosum (Silver Bracts)

Scientific Name

Pachyphytum bracteosum Klotzsch

Common Name(s)

Silver Bracts, Silverbracts, Moon Stones, Moonstones

Synonym(s)

Cotyledon pachyphytum, Echeveria bracteosa, Echeveria pachyphytum

Scientific Classification

Family: Crassulaceae
Subfamily: Sedoideae
Tribe: Sedeae
Subtribe: Sedinae
Genus: Pachyphytum

Description

Pachyphytum bracteosum is a small succulent shrub with plump silvery-grey leaves that become pinkish in bright light. The leaves are obovate to club-shaped, up to 4.4 inches (11 cm) long, 2 inches wide, and 5.6 inches (14 cm) thick. The inflorescence shows a striking contrast between the red petals and the pale glaucous hue of the large calyx and bracts and all the rest of the plant and flowers.

Pachyphytum bracteosum (Silver Bracts) — *Photo via surrealsucculents.co.uk*

Hardiness

USDA hardiness zone 9a to 11b: from 20 °F (−6.7 °C) to 50 °F (+10 °C).

How to Grow and Care

Pachyphytum will not tolerate frosts well. Temperatures below 20 °F (-6 °C) will kill the plant, and temperatures which may go below 45 °F (7 °C) during the extended period should be avoided. It tolerates high heat and intense sunlight. As with most succulents from the Crassulaceae family, Pachyphytum can tolerate (and even appreciated) poor soil conditions, so long as it is well-draining. It can thrive in full or partial sunlight.

Allow the soil to dry out before watering, and avoid getting water on the leaves. In winter, the plants will require more water as winter begins its active growth season. If you are unsure when to water your plant, watch the lowermost leaves for signs of drying and water them then. Pachyphytum is far more likely to survive under-watering than over-watering. The thick fleshy leaves will appear wilted and a bit "under-full" when they need water.

One of the most common pests to houseplants is the mealybug, and your Pachyphytum may fall prey to this pest. The symptoms of a mealybug infestation are slowed or stopped growth (in summer, this is a normal sign of dormancy).

See more at How to Grow and Care for Pachyphytum.

Origin

This succulent is native to Mexico.