The “cloud plant,” Pachyphytum oviferum, is a captivating succulent. Often called “Moonstones” or “Sugar Almond Plant,” its plump, egg-shaped leaves range from pale blue-green to bluish-purple, sometimes with pink tints. A powdery farina coating gives them a soft, frosted appearance. Native to Mexico’s rocky cliffs, its unique aesthetic makes it a popular choice for succulent collections.
Cultivating Your Cloud Plant
Light
Cloud plants need bright light for healthy growth and vibrant color. They thrive in ample sunlight, like a south-facing window indoors. Outdoors, full to partial sun is suitable, but intense afternoon sun in hot climates can be too harsh.
Prolonged, unfiltered sunlight can cause sunburn. The farina coating offers natural sun protection, but rubbing it off makes leaves vulnerable. Insufficient light causes color loss, fading to dull green, and may lead to etiolation. Rotate indoor plants regularly for balanced growth.
Water
Proper watering is crucial for Pachyphytum oviferum. Water infrequently but thoroughly, allowing the soil to dry completely between waterings, typically every 2-3 weeks depending on environmental factors. Overwatering commonly causes root rot, so err on the side of underwatering.
Ensure water drains fully from the pot bottom. Avoid getting water on leaves, especially rosettes, to prevent disturbing the farina coating, water spots, or fungal issues. During winter dormancy, reduce or stop watering entirely. Firm, plump leaves indicate sufficient water; soft, wrinkly leaves suggest a need for hydration.
Soil
The right soil mix ensures proper drainage for Pachyphytum oviferum. It needs a well-draining substrate to prevent water from sitting around its roots. A specialized succulent or cactus mix is ideal, formulated for quick drainage. If unavailable, combine organic potting soil with inorganic amendments.
Mix organic soil with inorganic materials like pumice, perlite, or coarse sand in a 50/50 ratio. This gritty mixture enhances aeration and drainage, mimicking the plant’s natural habitat. Always use a pot with drainage holes to prevent waterlogging and root rot. Porous pots, like unglazed terracotta, also aid evaporation.
Temperature and Humidity
Pachyphytum oviferum prefers warm, dry conditions, thriving between 68°F to 100°F (20°C to 38°C). It tolerates high heat but not frost; protect it from freezing temperatures. Bring outdoor plants indoors if temperatures fall below 30°F (-1.1°C).
These succulents prefer low to moderate humidity. High humidity, especially with poor air circulation, increases the risk of fungal diseases and rot. Ensure good air movement, particularly indoors. Typical home humidity levels are usually suitable.
Fertilizer
Cloud plants are not heavy feeders and rarely require frequent fertilization. If fertilizing, do so sparingly during the active growing season (spring and summer). Fertilizing during dormancy can weaken the plant or cause root burn. Use a balanced, diluted succulent or cactus fertilizer.
Dilute the fertilizer to one-quarter or one-half strength to avoid over-fertilization, which can cause leggy growth or root damage. Applying fertilizer once or twice per growing season is usually sufficient. Always water the plant thoroughly before fertilizing to prevent root shock and improve nutrient uptake.
Multiplying Your Cloud Plant
Leaf Cuttings
Propagating Pachyphytum oviferum from leaf cuttings is effective. Carefully twist a healthy, plump leaf from the stem, ensuring a clean break. Allow the leaf to dry and form a callus over the broken end for several days to a week in a dry, shaded area. This callusing prevents rot.
Once callused, lay the leaf on top of a well-draining succulent or cactus soil mix in a shallow tray. Do not bury it. Keep the soil slightly moist by misting lightly every few days, but avoid overwatering. In several weeks, small roots and a tiny rosette will emerge from the callused end. Provide bright, indirect light to the developing plantlets.
Stem Cuttings
Stem cuttings are another reliable propagation method, especially for leggy plants. Use a clean, sharp knife or shears to cut a healthy stem section with several leaves, typically 2-4 inches long. Allow the cut end to callus for a few days to a week to prevent rot.
Once callused, insert the stem cutting about an inch deep into a well-draining succulent soil mix. Mist the soil gently every few days to encourage root development, but let it dry completely between waterings. Place the pot in bright, indirect light. Rooting usually occurs within a few weeks, then transition the new plant to its regular care.
Troubleshooting Cloud Plant Issues
Etiolation (Stretching)
Etiolation, or stretching, is common in cloud plants, characterized by elongated stems and widely spaced leaves. It occurs when the plant lacks sufficient light, causing it to stretch for a brighter source. Compact rosettes become sparse, and vibrant colors fade to pale green.
To correct etiolation, move the plant to a brighter location with indirect sunlight. Indoors, consider a grow light, especially in winter. While stretched growth won’t revert, prune etiolated sections to encourage new, compact growth. Removed sections can often be propagated.
Rotting
Rotting is a serious problem for Pachyphytum oviferum, caused by overwatering or poorly draining soil. Signs include mushy, discolored leaves or stems, often dark brown or black. The plant may feel soft and squishy, with a foul odor. Rot spreads quickly and can be fatal if not addressed.
If rot is detected, unpot the plant and inspect roots and stem. Use a sterilized knife to cut away affected, mushy parts, leaving only healthy tissue. Allow cut surfaces to dry and callus for several days before repotting in fresh, dry, well-draining succulent soil. Adjust watering and ensure adequate drainage holes to prevent future rot.
Sunburn
Cloud plants can sunburn if exposed to intense, direct sunlight, especially after lower light or during heatwaves. Sunburn appears as permanent bleached, white, or brown patches on leaves, detracting from the plant’s appearance. The protective farina coating can be overwhelmed by harsh sun.
To prevent sunburn, gradually acclimate your plant to brighter light over days or weeks. Outdoors, provide afternoon shade during hot periods. Indoors, a sheer curtain can diffuse strong window sunlight. Burned leaves won’t recover, but new growth will be healthy if light conditions are adjusted.
Pests
Pachyphytum oviferum is generally resilient but can be susceptible to common succulent pests like mealybugs and aphids. Mealybugs appear as small, white, cottony masses on leaves; aphids are tiny, pear-shaped insects clustering on new growth. Both feed on plant sap, causing stunted or distorted leaves.
Regular inspection, especially under leaves and in crevices, helps early pest detection. For minor infestations, a strong water spray can dislodge pests. For persistent issues, dab mealybugs with rubbing alcohol. For broader infestations, apply insecticidal soap or neem oil solution as directed. Isolate affected plants to prevent spread.