How to care for your moonstone succulent

Moonstone succulents (Pachyphytum Oviferum) are a type of cactus that is native to Mexico. People like moonstone succulents because their leaves look like smooth, pastel-colored stones. They grow in rosettes up to 8 inches (20 cm) across and may be pink, peach, grayish-lavender, light blue, or light greenish-blue. You will love to have this succulent in your garden or home. This succulent needs very little care once they are established, but if you want to give them some special attention, I will help you know how to properly take care of this beautiful succulent. 

Moonstone succulent care

A succulent that grows well in bright light and warm environments, the moonstone is easy to care for plant. It is typically a slow grower but is not fussy about its water or fertilization needs. It can be kept in a pot or mounted on a piece of wood and will require no more attention than what is mentioned below.

water 

If you have a moonstone succulent, it will need water occasionally. But there are some techniques you can use to water your plant in a way that will not harm it.

1. Choose a well-drained soil mix for your moonstone succulent. This plant loves plenty of room to root, grow, and spread out. A too-heavy or clay-heavy mix will not do well in a succulent moonstone landscape.
2. Water your moonstone succulent regularly but sparingly – this plant needs just enough moisture to prevent it from becoming droopy or wilted. But no more than the amount will cause the soil to become saturated and waterlogged.
3. Do not overwater your moonstone succulent – this will only lead to root rot, and the plant will eventually die. Once a week, give the pot a gentle shake to get rid of any extra water and soil that has built up on the roots or cracks. Don’t give moonstone plants too much water; letting them drain properly is key to keeping them healthy.  Also, you can use a soil moisture meter to check the moisture levels in the potting soil every week or so and adjust as necessary.
4. Stop watering your moonstone succulent if it begins to droop or is wilted – give the plant time to recover before watering again.

fertilizer 

Your moonstone succulent won’t require any fertilizer regularly. But if you notice any yellowing or wilting of the leaves, it might be time to add a little fertilizer to the substrate. Remember to use a soil moisture meter to determine how much should be added. As too much fertilizer can also be bad for the health of your moonstone succulent.

prune

Prune moonstone succulents in the spring or autumn when they are dormant after their blooms have faded and before new growth begins. Avoid pruning when weather is hot or when rain is expected; these conditions can cause damage to the succulent’s stem or leaves. Remove any dead tissue and branches drooping or bent out of shape.

The right amount of light

Moonstone succulents need bright light to thrive. They are native to sunny areas and like direct sunlight. They will do well in a bright window but should not be placed near a vent or draft. If you’re growing moonstones indoors, place them in a brightly lit area with indirect light exposure during the day, and at night place them in a shaded area. During the intense summer heat, it’s best to give outdoor Moonstone plants shade, so they don’t get too hot and die.

right temperature

This plant from the desert grows best when it’s warm, around 65 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit (18 to 27 degrees Celsius). If you decide to move your plant outside during the summer, it won’t be hurt at all by the extreme heat and strong sunlight. If the nighttime temperature drops below 50 degrees Fahrenheit (10 degrees Celsius), you’ll need to bring it back inside. This plant can’t survive in freezing temperatures; it can tolerate up to -1°C.

humid environment

To care for a moonstone succulent, it is important to create a humid environment. This can be done by keeping the plant in a water reservoir or regularly misting it.

Potting and re-potting

Succulents are often difficult to grow, but moonstone succulents can thrive in most climates with the right potting techniques. Here are some tips for growing moonstone succulents:

• Choose a well-drained soil mix that is low in nitrogen. Mix equal parts of compost and sand or perlite in the area where you will plant Pachyphytum Oviferum. Do this to a depth of 10 to 12 inches. Using this mix will keep water from getting to the roots of your succulents and hurting them. Moonstone succulents require plenty of water, but too much nitrogen can cause them to become leggy and spindly. To keep the roots from rotting, it’s also important to keep succulents in a pot with a hole in the bottom.
• Transplant young moonstone succulents into fresh, well-drained soil every two to four years as they grow larger. Old plants can be left in their original pots if they are well-cared for and do not stretch or crowd other plants.
• Repot succulents annually in late winter or early spring, when the soil has warmed up and is still slightly moist. Use a pot larger than the root ball and fill it half full of fresh soil. A good rule of thumb is to divide the root ball in half and replant each half into a new pot. Firm the plant by hand, ensuring the roots are buried in the soil. Make sure to loosen the soil around the roots before repotting, as over-potting can lead to root rot.

How and when to propagate moonstone succulents

In the spring, take leaf cuttings from your moonstone succulent. 

• Make sure the end of the cutting is clean and free of any soil or debris. 
• Allow the cut ends to dry for a couple of days so that they can harden and form a callus. 
• Place the cut ends in a lightly moist potting mix, ensuring they are not buried. Moonstone succulent cuttings root easily when they contact the potting medium. 
• Keep them watered, but don’t overwater them; misting is usually enough.

Frequently asked questions (FAQ)

Why are my moonstone leaves falling off?

Poor root health is the most common cause of leaf shrinkage and wilting in Moonstone succulents, resulting from improper (too frequent) watering or compacted soil.

How big does a moonstone succulent get?

Moonstone succulents reach up to 4″ inches in height and spread up to 12″ or more inches in width. They bear white stems with bluish-green to bluish-purple leaves. These pigmented pale blue-green leaves are 2″ inches long, 1″ inch wide, and ½” thick.

Are moonstone succulents toxic?

The moonstone plant is not considered toxic to pets and humans. If ingested in large amounts, it may upset the stomach, but there is no serious effect. The plant has quite a delicate form, so better to keep them out of reach of toddlers and pets.

Do moonstones flower?

The names Moonstone, Moonstone Succulent, or Sugar Almond Plant are commonly known. It is grown for the beautiful bluish-purple, plump, rounded leaves. In winter, 30cm flowering stems appear bearing red-orange flowers with sepals the same color as the leaves.

In the end

In conclusion, moonstone succulents are great plants for those who want to add a touch of elegance and luxury to their home. They require minimal care but do need to be kept moist. Be sure to monitor the water level and adjust as needed. Be sure to get a moonstone succulent suited for your climate and growing conditions; many wonderful varieties are available!