Scientific Name
Pachyphytum glutinicaule Moran
Scientific Classification
Family: Crassulaceae
Subfamily: Sedoideae
Tribe: Sedeae
Subtribe: Sedinae
Genus: Pachyphytum
Etymology
The specific epithet "glutinicaule (gloo-tin-ih-KAW-lee)" means "sticky stem" and refers to the young glutinous stems of the species.
Origin
This species is native to Mexico. It grows on rocky, sunny slopes and rocky outcroppings in Hidalgo.
Description
Pachyphytum glutinicaule is a small, slow-growing succulent with chubby leaves first clustered in rosettes, later more or less distant, and only in the upper part of the stems. The rosettes are up to 4.8 inches (12 cm) in diameter. Stems are erect, decumbent, or pendent and grow up to 2 feet (60 cm) long and up to 0.6 inches (1.5 cm) in diameter. The young stems are somewhat sticky. Leaves are bluish-green, often tinged pink or violet, and covered with a powdery bloom. They are up to 1.6 inches (6.5 cm) long, 1.4 inches (3.5 cm) wide, and 0.6 inches (1.5 cm) thick, with a tip that ends in a small sharp point.
The flowers are bell-shaped, with red petals and shorter sepals the same color as the leaves, and appear along the apices of unbranched, up to 20 inches (50 cm) tall, rose-colored stalks in spring.
How to Grow and Care for Pachyphytum glutinicaule
Light: P. glutinicaule thrives when exposed to direct sunlight. It will also grow in partial shade but with slightly rangy results. Therefore, keep it near a sunny window when grown as a houseplant.
Soil: The plant needs good drainage to maintain a healthy root system. When growing P. glutinicaule in a container, choose a well-drained soil mix and a container with drainage holes.
Temperature: This plant will do well in hot weather, but its most active growth will occur in spring and fall. P. glutinicaule can withstand temperatures as low as 30 °F (-1.1 °C). USDA Plant Hardiness Zones 10a to 11b, 30 to 50 °F (-1.1 to 10 °C).
Watering: In spring and fall, water the plant thoroughly, then allow the soil to dry out before watering again. Water more sparingly in winter. The plant does not need to be watered during its dormancy in summer except in arid conditions.
Fertilizing: Apply fertilizer to promote healthy growth, including flower production. Fertilize only during the growing season. A water-soluble fertilizer diluted to half the recommended strength is suitable and commonly used.
Repotting: P. glutinicaule does not need frequent repotting. However, when your plant outgrows its pot, repotting in a new container with a fresh potting mix will encourage new growth. Repot in a pot slightly larger than the old one. Give the plant a week or so to readjust before you water it.
Propagation: The easiest way to propagate P. glutinicaule is through stem cuttings. It is also easily propagated from leaves and seeds. Even a leaf that drops off will root below the parent plant and produce a new plant. Take cuttings in spring. The best time to sow the seeds is in spring and summer.
Learn more at How to Grow and Care for Pachyphytum.
Toxicity of Pachyphytum glutinicaule
P. glutinicaule is generally non-toxic to humans and pets.
Hybrids of Pachyphytum glutinicaule
Links
- Back to genus Pachyphytum
- Succupedia: Browse succulents by Scientific Name, Common Name, Genus, Family, USDA Hardiness Zone, Origin, or cacti by Genus
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