If you are looking for a small plant that can add a unique beauty to your space, Pachyphytum 'Moonsilver' is an excellent choice!
Scientific Name
Pachyphytum 'Moonsilver'
Synonym(s)
Pachyphytum 'Moon Silver'
Scientific Classification
Family: Crassulaceae
Subfamily: Sedoideae
Tribe: Sedeae
Subtribe: Sedinae
Genus: Pachyphytum
Origin
Pachyphytum 'Moonsilver' is a hybrid created by Renee O'Connell. The parentage is unknown.
Description
Pachyphytum 'Moonsilver' is a beautiful succulent with upright stems that bear bluish-green leaves covered with a fine waxy bloom. It can grow up to 8 inches (20 cm) tall. The leaves are thick and fleshy and usually crowded in the uppermost part of the stems. When exposed to full sun, the tips of the leaves turn reddish to purplish.
In spring, Pachyphytum 'Moonsilver' produces bell-shaped flowers with red petals and sepals the same color as the leaves. They appear on arching stalks with fleshy bracts.
How to Grow and Care for Pachyphytum 'Moonsilver'
Light: Pachyphytum 'Moonsilver' thrives in direct sunlight. While it can tolerate partial shade, it may result in slightly rangy growth. When growing indoors, keep it near a sunny window.
Soil: This plant requires good drainage to maintain a healthy root system. While many growers prefer to create their own soil mix, commercial soil for succulents will work fine.
Temperature: Pachyphytum 'Moonsilver' is a winter grower and will stop actively growing when it warms up. It grows best in USDA Plant Hardiness Zones 10a to 11b, with average minimum winter temperatures ranging from 30 to 50 °F (-1.1 to 10 °C).
Watering: Although a winter grower, this plant is most active during spring and fall. Water thoroughly, then wait for the soil to dry out completely before watering again. During the winter, water sparingly. As the plant goes dormant in spring, it does not need to be watered except for arid conditions.
Fertilizing: During the growing season, apply a water-soluble fertilizer diluted to half the recommended strength to promote healthy growth and flower production.
Repotting: If growing Pachyphytum 'Moonsilver' in a container, repot it in a pot with drainage holes when it outgrows its pot. Give the plant a week or so to readjust before you water it.
Propagation: The easiest method to propagate this plant is by stem cuttings, although it can also be propagated from leaves. Even a leaf that drops off will root below the parent plant and produce a new plant. For best results, take cuttings in the spring.
Learn more at How to Grow and Care for Pachyphytum.
Toxicity of Pachyphytum 'Moonsilver'
Pachyphytum 'Moonsilver' is generally non-toxic to humans and pets.
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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