Moonstone Succulent Care – How To Grow Pachyphytum Oviferum

Moonstone succulent care is fairly simple once you understand how this thick-leaved succulent likes to grow. Pachyphytum oviferum stores water in its plump leaves, so the two biggest things to provide are plenty of light and a growing mix that drains quickly.

Moonstones are especially attractive indoors because of their rounded blue-green to pink leaves and compact growth. Their powdery coating gives the leaves the soft, stone-like appearance that inspired the Moonstone name.

In this guide, I’ll cover watering, light, soil, fertilizer, pests, propagation, and the other basics you need to keep a Moonstone succulent growing well indoors.

Moonstone Succulent Care at a Glance

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What Are Moonstone Succulents Or Pachyphytum Oviferum

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Moonstone succulents are a type of stonecrop plant that is native to Mexico.

The scientific name for Moonstone succulents is Pachyphytum oviferum.

They are a part of the Crassulaceae family, which includes other popular succulent plants such as Sedum and Echeveria.

Moonstone succulents are characterized by their fleshy, blue-green or pink leaves that grow in rosettes.

The leaves of Moonstone succulents are often covered in a powdery white substance, which is why they are also known as “powdered sunstones.”

Moonstone succulents can grow to be 4 inches tall and up to 12 inches wide.

Moonstone succulents are a popular choice for gardens and homes because they are low-maintenance plants. They are also inexpensive.

They are tolerant of neglect and can survive in a variety of conditions. Moonstone succulents are also known for their ability to purify the air.

Moonstone Succulent Care

If you are looking for a plant that is both beautiful and easy to care for, Moonstone succulents are a great option!

We will cover topics such as watering, light requirements, and soil preferences. By following these simple tips, you can ensure that your Moonstone succulents thrive!

Watering Moonstone Succulents

Watering your Moonstone succulents is an important part of Moonstone succulent care. 

But because Moonstone succulents are drought-tolerant plants, they do not require a lot of water.

So you are much better off underwatering them rather than overwatering them.

They should not be watered on a schedule instead it is best to only water your Moonstone succulents when the soil is completely dry.

If the soil is too wet, it can cause the roots of your Moonstone succulents to rot.

When watering Moonstone succulents, be sure to use lukewarm water. Cold water can shock the plants and cause them to lose their leaves.

To avoid overwatering your Moonstone succulents, it is best to use a well-draining potting mix.

You can also add some perlite or sand to the potting mix to improve drainage.

Light Requirements For Moonstone Succulents

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Moonstone succulents prefer bright, indirect sunlight. If you live in an area with intense sun, it is best to provide some shade for your Moonstone succulents.

Too much direct sunlight can cause the leaves of Moonstone succulents to turn yellow or brown. If your Moonstone succulents are not getting enough sunlight, they may become etiolated, which means they will stretch out and become leggy.

Moonstone succulents can tolerate a wide range of light conditions, but they prefer bright, indirect sunlight.

If you are growing Moonstone succulents indoors, be sure to place them near a sunny window.

You can also use a grow light to provide the plants with the right amount of light.

Soil Preferences For Moonstone Succulents

Moonstone succulents prefer well-draining soil. A cactus or succulent potting mix is a good option for Moonstone succulents.

You can also add some perlite or sand to a regular potting mix to improve drainage.

Moonstone succulents do not like to sit in wet soil, so be sure to use a well-draining potting mix. 

Fertilizing Moonstone Succulents

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Moonstone succulents do not require a lot of fertilizer. If you choose to fertilize your Moonstone succulents, use a cactus or succulent fertilizer.

Be sure to dilute the fertilizer to half strength and only fertilize Moonstone succulents every other month.

Over-fertilizing can cause the leaves of Moonstone succulents to turn yellow or brown.

Pests And Diseases Of Moonstone Succulents

Moonstone succulents are relatively resistant to pests and diseases. However, they can be susceptible to mealybugs, scale insects, and root rot.

Mealybugs are small white insects that feed on the sap of Moonstone succulents. Scale insects are small brown or black insects that attach themselves to the leaves of Moonstone succulents.

Root rot is a disease that can be caused by overwatering or planting Moonstone succulents in poorly draining soil.

If your Moonstone succulents become infested with pests you can treat them with insecticidal soap or neem oil. 

Is Moonstone Succulent Toxic to Cats and Dogs?

There is limited authoritative pet-toxicity information available specifically for Moonstone succulent (Pachyphytum oviferum). I could not find this species listed in the ASPCA’s toxic and non-toxic plant database, so I would not assume that it is safe for cats or dogs to eat.

If you have a pet that likes to chew on houseplants, the safest approach is to keep your Moonstone succulent out of reach. The ASPCA also notes that eating plant material can cause vomiting or gastrointestinal upset in dogs and cats even when a plant is considered non-toxic.

If your cat or dog eats part of your Moonstone succulent and develops symptoms, contact your veterinarian or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center for guidance.

Pet Safety: Check the ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plants Database for additional pet-safety information.

Propagating Moonstone Succulents

Moonstone succulents are relatively easy to propagate. They can be propagated by seed, offsets, or leaf cuttings.

To propagate Moonstone succulents by seed, sow the seeds in a cactus or succulent potting mix. Be sure to keep the soil moist but not wet.

Moonstone succulent offsets can be removed from the mother plant and planted in their own pots.

To propagate Moonstone succulents by leaf cuttings, cut a leaf from the mother plant and allow it to callous over for a few days. Then, plant the leaf cutting in a cactus or succulent potting mix.

Moonstone Succulent FAQs

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How often should I water my Moonstone succulent?

Water your Moonstone succulent only after the growing mix has dried completely. These plants store water in their thick leaves and tolerate dry conditions much better than constantly wet soil. Check the growing mix rather than watering on a fixed schedule.

How much light does a Moonstone succulent need?

Moonstone succulents prefer plenty of bright light. Indoors, place your plant near a sunny window where it can receive bright light and some direct morning sun. If the plant doesn’t receive enough light, it may begin stretching and become leggy. You can also use a grow light when natural light isn’t sufficient.

What is the best growing mix for Moonstone succulents?

Use a fast-draining cactus or succulent growing mix. You can improve drainage by adding perlite or sand if necessary. Good drainage is especially important because Moonstone succulents don’t like their roots sitting in wet growing media.

Why is my Moonstone succulent getting leggy?

A Moonstone succulent that begins stretching or developing long spaces between its leaves probably needs more light. Move it gradually to a brighter location or provide supplemental lighting. Adequate light helps the plant maintain its naturally compact growth.

Why are the leaves falling off my Moonstone succulent?

Leaf drop can happen when a Moonstone succulent is stressed. Check the growing conditions, especially moisture, drainage, temperature, and light. Overwatering and cold conditions are two problems to look for first.

How do you fertilize a Moonstone succulent?

Moonstone succulents don’t require heavy feeding. If you fertilize yours, use a cactus or succulent fertilizer diluted to half strength about every other month during active growth. Avoid over-fertilizing the plant.

How big do Moonstone succulents get?

Moonstone succulents stay fairly compact. A mature Pachyphytum oviferum can grow to around 4 inches tall and spread up to about 12 inches wide, making it a good succulent for windowsills, shelves, and other smaller indoor growing spaces.

How do you propagate a Moonstone succulent?

Moonstone succulents can be propagated from leaves, offsets, or seeds. For leaf propagation, remove a healthy leaf and allow the end to callous for a few days before placing it in a well-draining cactus or succulent growing mix. Offsets can be separated from the parent plant and planted in their own containers.

What pests attack Moonstone succulents?

Moonstone succulents are fairly resistant to pests, but mealybugs and scale insects can occasionally become a problem. Check around the leaves and stems regularly. If you find pests, insecticidal soap or neem oil can be used to treat them.

When should I repot a Moonstone succulent?

You can repot your Moonstone succulent when it becomes pot-bound or when the growing mix needs refreshing. This may only be necessary every two or three years because Moonstones are relatively slow-growing plants. Always use a container with good drainage and fresh, fast-draining growing mix.

Moonstone Succulent Care Final Thoughts

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Moonstone succulents are beautiful plants that are easy to care for. With the right amount of light, water, and fertilizer, Moonstone succulents will thrive.

Be sure to keep an eye out for pests and diseases, and propagate Moonstone succulents by seed, offsets, or leaf cuttings.

Follow the Moonstone succulent care tips in this blog post and you and your Moonstone succulent will both be happy.

Thanks for reading! I hope you found this post helpful. Happy planting!