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Needs bright light - ideally 6 or more hours of bright indirect to direct sun (right in the window where sun actually hits the leaves. A strong grow light 4-6 inches away can substitute) daily. Outdoors, full sun (6 or more hours of sun hitting the leaves per day. South-facing window, no obstructions. Under grow lights, keep them 4-8 inches away for 12-14 hours) works well. Indoors, a south-facing window is ideal. Too little light causes etiolation and faded color.Light
Soak and dry method: water thoroughly (water until it drains out the bottom. Empty the saucer after 30 minutes so the roots are not sitting in water), then wait until the soil is quite dry before watering again. Far more forgiving of underwatering than overwatering. Avoid getting water on the leaves, as it can cause rot and removes the farina.Water
Low humidity preferred. Standard indoor humidity is fine. Do not mist.Humidity
Best between 65°F and 75°F (18 to 24°C). Do not expose to temperatures below 45°F for extended periods; frost will kill the plant.Temperature
easyDifficulty
Pachyphytum oviferum plant

Pearly Moonstones

Pachyphytum oviferum

Easy

Pearly Moonstones are chunky little succulents with fleshy, egg-shaped leaves coated in a dusty white farina that gives them a pale blue-green to lilac glow — they look almost fake, in the best possible way. Your plant forms compact rosettes that stay small enough for a windowsill, spreading to about 12 inches wide at most. In late winter to early spring it sends up arching stems tipped with clusters of bell-shaped red flowers that are a pleasant surprise on something so understated.

Pachyphytum oviferum plant
Peter A. Mansfeld, CC BY 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Pachyphytum oviferum plant
Peter A. Mansfeld, CC BY 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Care Guide

How to grow Pearly Moonstones

Light

Needs bright light - ideally

Water

Soak and dry method: water

Humidity

Low humidity preferred.

Temperature

Best between 65°F and 75°F (18 to 24°C).

Soil

Cactus and succulent mix, or

Propagation

Leaf propagation is easy and

Common Problems

Overwatering is the number one

Did You Know

Fun Facts

The name Pachyphytum oviferum translates from Greek and Latin as 'thick plant bearing eggs' — which is a surprisingly accurate description of those plump, oval leaves.

Pet Safety

Pet safe

Non-toxic to humans and pets. The plant produces a sap that may mildly irritate skin and eyes in sensitive individuals, so handle with care, but there is no serious toxicity risk.

Sources

  1. Pachyphytum oviferum - Plants of the World Online (Kew) (opens in new tab)Botanical Garden
  2. Pachyphytum oviferum - Plants of the World Online (Kew) (opens in new tab)Botanical Garden
  3. How to Grow and Care for Moonstones Pachyphytum Oviferum (opens in new tab)Reference
  4. How to Grow and Care for Moonstones Pachyphytum Oviferum (opens in new tab)Reference
  5. Pachyphytum Oviferum Care: All About Growing Succulent Moonstones (opens in new tab)Reference
  6. Pachyphytum Oviferum Care: All About Growing Succulent Moonstones (opens in new tab)Reference
  7. Pachyphytum oviferum (Moonstones) - World of Succulents (opens in new tab)Reference
  8. Pachyphytum oviferum (Moonstones) - World of Succulents (opens in new tab)Reference
  9. Pachyphytum oviferum - Wikipedia (opens in new tab)Reference
  10. Pachyphytum oviferum - Wikipedia (opens in new tab)Reference
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