Scientific Name
Pachyphytum rzedowskii I.García, Pérez-Calix & J.Meyrán
Scientific Classification
Family: Crassulaceae
Subfamily: Sedoideae
Tribe: Sedeae
Subtribe: Sedinae
Genus: Pachyphytum
Description
Pachyphytum rzedowskii is a succulent plant that forms loose to compact rosettes at the end of pendent to decumbent stems. The rosettes can reach up to 2.8 inches (7 cm) in diameter, while the stems can grow up to 12 inches (30 cm) long and 0.6 inches (1.5 cm) in diameter. The spirally arranged leaves are bluish-green to lavender-grey, measuring up to 1.8 inches (4.5 cm) long and 0.5 inches (1.3 cm) wide.
The flowers are green to whitish-yellow at the base, bluish-green at the apex, with a red spot inside, and appear on arching, green to pinkish stalks that can grow up to 10 inches (25 cm) long.
Hardiness
USDA hardiness zones 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 that may go below 45 °F (7 °C) during an 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 appreciate) 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 be careful to avoid getting water on the leaves. The plants will require more water in winter as they begin their 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 overwatering. The thick, fleshy leaves will appear wilted and slightly "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 (though in summer, this is a normal sign of dormancy). If this occurs without apparent cause, remove the plant from the pot and examine the roots or look at the leaf-stem junctions.
Learn more at How to Grow and Care for Pachyphytum.
Origin
Pachyphytum rzedowskii is native to Mexico.
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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