Pachyphytum, a genus of charming succulent plants, captivates enthusiasts with its distinctive forms and delicate coloration. Appreciated for their plump, rounded leaves and compact growth, they are a popular choice for succulent collections and indoor displays. These low-maintenance plants offer visually striking additions to any plant repertoire.
Common Pachyphytum Characteristics
Pachyphytum succulents are recognized by shared physical attributes. Their leaves are thick and fleshy, adapted for water storage. Many varieties feature a powdery white coating, known as farina or epicuticular wax, which gives them a soft appearance. This farina acts as a protective layer against intense sunlight, preventing sunburn, and repelling water to reduce rot.
These plants grow in a rosette formation, with leaves arranged in a circular pattern around a central stem. Leaf shapes vary, from spherical or egg-shaped to elongated, finger-like, or angular forms. Common colors include silvery-blue, pale green, and purple, often intensifying to pink, orange, or reddish hues when exposed to bright sunlight or cooler temperatures.
Popular Pachyphytum Varieties
The Pachyphytum genus offers a range of popular varieties, each with distinguishing features.
Pachyphytum oviferum, known as “Moonstones” or “Sugaralmond Plant,” has chubby, egg-shaped leaves ranging from pale blue-green to bluish-purple, often covered in dense white farina. These leaves are smooth and plump, resembling sugared almonds. Rosettes reach up to 4 inches in diameter, and the plant forms clumps.
Pachyphytum compactum, called “Little Jewel,” stands out with thick, fleshy leaves that are short cylindrical to chubby pointed and distinctly patterned. These leaves are silvery-blue or lavender, featuring unique angular lines or facets from younger leaves pressing against older ones. The plant forms compact rosettes and can develop a clumping habit.
Pachyphytum glutinicaule has chubby, teardrop-shaped leaves that are bluish-green, often tinged with pink or violet, and covered with a powdery bloom. This species can grow tall, with stems reaching up to 2 feet long, and young stems may have a sticky texture. Leaves can flush rosy purple when stressed by light.
Pachyphytum machucae, referred to as “Baby Fingers,” has plump, finger-shaped leaves that are olive-green, but can turn vivid lavender, pink, or bright mango colors under sun exposure. The leaves are covered in a powdery wax. This variety forms rosettes of tightly packed, chubby leaves.
Pachyphytum hookeri features fleshy, silver-blue leaves that are pointed and grow upright in a rosette. These leaves are lanceolate-oblanceolate to fusiform, often green or glaucous with reddish tips, and covered in thick whitish farina. The plant forms rosettes 7-12 cm in diameter, and stems can grow up to 30 cm long.
Pachyphytum rzedowskii is a squat succulent with very round leaves that completely cover the stem, displaying a blend of pink, silver, and blue tones. Its bluish-green to lavender-grey leaves are spirally arranged and coated in soft, powdery farina, giving it a foggy appearance. This species forms loose to compact rosettes up to 2.8 inches in diameter.
Essential Pachyphytum Care
Pachyphytum succulents thrive with minimal intervention. They require ample bright light, ideally receiving at least six hours of daily sunlight to maintain their compact shape and vibrant coloration. While they appreciate bright conditions, prolonged intense midday sun can scorch leaves, so filtered or morning sunlight is preferred, especially in hotter climates. Indoors, a south or east-facing window provides necessary light.
Watering practices are important, as these plants are susceptible to rot from excessive moisture. The “soak and dry” method is appropriate: water thoroughly until it drains from the pot, then allow the soil to dry out completely before watering again. In winter or dormant periods, watering frequency should be significantly reduced. It is better to underwater than to overwater.
A well-draining soil mix is important to prevent waterlogging. A commercial cactus or succulent mix combined with gritty materials like perlite, pumice, or coarse sand, typically in a 50% soil to 50% grit ratio, provides adequate drainage. Pachyphytum prefers temperatures between 50°F and 85°F (10-29°C) and should be protected from frost, as temperatures below 20°F (-6°C) can be damaging. Fertilization is not heavily needed; a diluted cactus or succulent fertilizer can be applied sparingly during their active growing season.
Distinguishing Pachyphytum and Related Hybrids
Identifying Pachyphytum plants can present a challenge due to subtle variations among species and numerous hybrids. Differences in leaf shape, farina presence and pattern, and overall growth habit are important characteristics. For instance, Pachyphytum compactum has unique angular markings on its leaves that differentiate it from other smooth-leaved varieties.
A common group of hybrids involves crosses between Pachyphytum and Echeveria, resulting in plants known as Pachyveria (xPachyveria). These hybrids combine the thick, plump leaves of Pachyphytum with the rosette forms and diverse colors of Echeveria. For example, xPachyveria ‘Little Jewel’ features tapered leaves with angular features, while xPachyveria ‘Powder Puff’ has spoon-shaped leaves covered in a thick layer of farina, inherited from its Pachyphytum oviferum parentage. Recognizing these hybrid characteristics, such as leaf texture, color variations, and the blend of growth patterns from both parent genera, assists in accurate identification.