Moonstones (sugared almond plant) Pachyphytum oviferum
Moonstones (sugared almond plant) (Pachyphytum oviferum) is an evergreen perennial groundcover in the Crassulaceae family, native to San Luis Potosí, Mexico. It grows 8–15 cm (3–6 in) tall and 15–30 cm (6–12 in) wide, wants full sun and low water, and is hardy to about 2 °C (36 °F). Space plants about 15 cm (6 in) apart.
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Moonstones (sugared almond plant) at a glance
| Type | Perennial groundcover, evergreen |
|---|---|
| Family | Crassulaceae |
| Mature height | 8–15 cm (3–6 in) |
| Mature spread | 15–30 cm (6–12 in) |
| Spacing | 15 cm (6 in) centre to centre |
| Sun | Full sun, at least 5 h of direct sun a day |
| Water | Low; drought tolerance high, waterlogging tolerance none |
| Soil pH | 6–7.5 |
| Cold hardiness | About 2 °C (36 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 10) |
| Heat stress | Likely above about 38 °C (100 °F) |
| Flowering | about 104–156 weeks after planting, for 4–6 weeks |
| Wind tolerance | Low |
| Pollinator value | Low |
| Edible | Not grown as food |
| Native to | San Luis Potosí, Mexico |
| Common in gardens of | 🇲🇽 Mexico, 🇺🇸 United States, 🇯🇵 Japan, 🇰🇷 South Korea, 🇬🇧 United Kingdom, 🇩🇪 Germany |
Is Moonstones (sugared almond plant) toxic?
- People: not known to be toxic
- Cats: not known to be toxic
- Dogs: not known to be toxic
Not known to be poisonous.
If a child or pet may have eaten part of a plant, call a poison centre or vet straight away.
Companion planting: what to grow with Moonstones (sugared almond plant)
No well-documented helpful pairing. Group it with plants that like full sun and low water.
Questions about Moonstones (sugared almond plant)
- How far apart should I plant Moonstones (sugared almond plant)?
- About 15 cm (6 in) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 15–30 cm (6–12 in).
- Does Moonstones (sugared almond plant) need full sun?
- Full sun: at least 5 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does Moonstones (sugared almond plant) need?
- Low water. Drought tolerance is high and waterlogging tolerance none.
- How cold-hardy is Moonstones (sugared almond plant)?
- It tolerates about 2 °C (36 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 10.
- When does Moonstones (sugared almond plant) flower?
- About 104–156 weeks after planting, for 4–6 weeks.
- Is Moonstones (sugared almond plant) poisonous to cats and dogs?
- For cats it is not known to be toxic; for dogs not known to be toxic; for people not known to be toxic. Not known to be poisonous.
- What grows well with Moonstones (sugared almond plant)?
- There is no well-documented companion pairing for Moonstones (sugared almond plant). Group it with plants that like the same sun (full sun) and water (low).
Sources and evidence
Evidence grade A (A: strong evidence).
- Plants of the World Online (taxonomy, native range), Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew
- LLIFLE Encyclopedia of Cacti and Succulents, LLIFLE (Living Encyclopedia), Italy
Notes and assumptions
- In frosty climates it is a classic pot plant for a bright windowsill, put outside in summer.
- Egg-shaped, pebble-like leaves dusted with white bloom, blushing pink or lilac in sun, and bell flowers in late winter. Handle as little as possible: fingers rub off the powdery coat.
Reference values for planning, not horticultural, veterinary or medical advice. Varieties, soils and local climates differ: check with a local nursery or extension service.
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