Pachyphytum oviferum
moonstones
A clump-forming succulent producing short stems of fleshy, white-frosted glaucous leaves. In spring it bears an arching spike of red flowers inside glaucous outer petals
Buy this plant
Size
Ultimate height
0.1–0.5 metresTime to ultimate height
1–2 yearsUltimate spread
0.1–0.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Red Grey Silver | Grey Silver | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Grey Silver | |||
| Autumn | Grey Silver | |||
| Winter | Grey Silver |
Position
- Full sun
Aspect
South–facing or West–facing or East–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H2Botanical details
- Family
- Crassulaceae
- Native to GB / Ireland
- No
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Habit
- Clump forming
- Genus
A small genus of rosette-forming succulent shrubs, native to Mexico, with thick, fleshy, almond-shaped green to purple leaves and bell-shaped greenish-white to dark red flowers which hang from spikey stems
- Name status
Correct
- Plant range
- Mexico
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow in pots of cactus compost in a greenhouse (minimum 5°C), or as a houseplant on a sunny windowsill. Water moderately while in growth and keep almost dry at other times. Apply a low-nitrogen fertiliser every 6-8 weeks in spring and summer. See houseplant cacti and succulent cultivation for further information
Propagation
Propagate by seed sown in spring at 21°C, or by leaf cuttings in summer
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Houseplants
- Conservatory and greenhouse
Pruning
No pruning required
Pests
Generally pest-free
Diseases
Generally disease-free
Get involved
The Royal Horticultural Society is the UK’s leading gardening charity. We aim to enrich everyone’s life through plants, and make the UK a greener and more beautiful place.