Plants
Moonstones
Pachyphytum oviferum · Crassulaceae
Pachyphytum earns its English name moonstones honestly: the thick, egg-shaped leaves look like a handful of matt moonstones in blue-grey, pink and lilac. The botanical epithet oviferum means „egg-bearing“ — it could hardly be more apt. This little Mexican is easy-going, non-toxic to pets and a favourite in our succulent bowls.
- Light
- Full sun to very bright; low light fades the colours and etiolates the shoots.
- Watering
- Very sparing — the thick leaves store water for weeks.
- Care level
- Easy
- Botanical
- Pachyphytum oviferum
As with its relative graptopetalum, a fine waxy bloom (farina) coats the leaves and creates the powdery matt shimmer. It is sunscreen and evaporation brake in one — and extremely touch-sensitive: every grip leaves permanent fingerprints. We therefore always lift the plant by the pot, never by the leaves.
The pastel colouring depends directly on light: the sunnier the spot, the stronger the pink and lilac tones; in shade the leaves stay pale mint-grey and the shoots stretch unattractively. A south window or a rain-sheltered summer spot outdoors brings out the best in the plant.
Over the years the stem lengthens, lower leaves drop and the leaf-eggs sit strung along the shoot — older plants then trail decoratively over the pot rim. In spring arching flower stalks appear with bell-shaped blooms, orange-red inside, set off prettily against the frosted leaves.
Watering follows the rule for all stonecrop relatives, only stricter: the extremely fleshy leaves store enormous amounts of water, so the plant is rarely thirsty. Water only once the substrate is fully dry and the lowest leaves feel minimally softer; keep almost dry in cool winter quarters.
Propagation is by leaf cuttings: gently twist off an undamaged leaf, let it dry for a few days and lay it on dry substrate — after weeks roots and a mini rosette appear. Because the leaves are so thick it takes a little longer than with echeverias, but works just as reliably.
Is Moonstones toxic to children and pets?
- Children
- Non-toxic
- Cats
- Non-toxic
- Dogs
- Non-toxic
Pachyphytum is considered non-toxic to cats, dogs and children and is among the safe succulents for pet households. The thick leaves are still not a snack — better to discourage nibbling.
Overview: toxic & non-toxic plants for cats, dogs and children
Care
- 01Place it very bright to full sun — light brings out the pastel colours.
- 02Water only when the substrate is completely dry; better once too little.
- 03Do not touch the leaves; the waxy bloom does not regenerate.
- 04Mineral, free-draining succulent substrate and a drainage hole are essential.
- 05Overwinter cool (8–15 degrees) and almost dry.
- 06Happily move it outdoors to a rain-sheltered spot in summer.
Frequently asked
- Are moonstones toxic to cats?
- No, pachyphytum is considered non-toxic to cats and dogs. Together with haworthia, echeveria and graptopetalum it is among the succulents we recommend for households with pets.
- Why do the leaves get marks when I touch them?
- The powdery layer on the leaves is a natural waxy bloom called farina. It wipes off but does not grow back — every fingerprint stays permanently visible. Handle the plant by the pot only, and cushion it well when giving it as a gift.
- How often should I water moonstones?
- Less often than almost any other houseplant: in summer roughly every two to four weeks, once the substrate is fully dry; in cool winter quarters at most a monthly sip. Soft, glassy leaves are a warning sign of overwatering.
- Why do the leaves stay pale instead of pink?
- The pink tones are a response to plenty of light and cool nights. In a shady spot pachyphytum stays pale grey-green. A south window or a summer outdoors in direct sun brings the moonstone colours back within a few weeks.