If you’re looking for an easy-to-care-for succulent, the pachyphytum compactum is definitely the plant for you! This succulent is known for being low maintenance and drought tolerant, making it the perfect addition to any home or garden.
Pachyphytum compactum is a small, slow-growing succulent that originates from Mexico.
It’s a member of the Pachyphytum genus, which includes around 30 different species of succulents.
Quick Facts On Pachyphytum Compactum
- Family: Echeveria
- Light: Full sun, partial shade
- Temperature: 65° to 75° degrees Fahrenheit
- Water: Moderate; Allow soil to dry out between watering
- Fertilizer: Cactus fertilizer or balanced fertilizer
- Propagation: Stem cuttings, leaf cuttings, or seeds
- Common Problems: Rotting, mealybugs, scale, aphids, and thrips
This particular plant is known for its thick, fleshy leaves that grow in a rosette shape.
The leaves are a beautiful green color with white spots or stripes and are slightly translucent.
Pachyphytum compactum is only known as pachyphytum compactum, and its common name is Little Jewel.
It is part of the echeveria family and is often confused with echeveria compacta.
Here are a few reasons why you might want to get and learn how to care for pachyphytum compactum:
- It’s a great plant in your home if you’re new to gardening and are looking for an easy introduction to succulents.
- It doesn’t need much water, making it the perfect plant for those who often forget to water their plants.
- Pachyphytum compactum is a slow grower, so you won’t have to worry about it taking over your garden.
If you’re interested in getting a pachyphytum compactum, we’ve compiled all the facts you need to know to care for it properly in this easy-to-read guide.
Let’s get started!
Pachyphytum Compactum Care
Pachyphytum compactum is a beautiful and low-maintenance succulent, perfect for busy people or those new to plant care.
This guide will teach you everything you need to know about how to care for pachyphytum compactum, including watering, lighting, and potting tips.
Let’s start with the basics:
What Does The Pachyphytum Cactus Look Like, And How Big Does It Grow?
Pachyphytum compactum is a small, compact succulent that typically grows about 4″ to 6″ inches tall.
The leaves are thick and fleshy, with a beautiful powdery blue-green hue.
The leaves can have different shapes, but the most common include:
- Oval
- Round
- Tubular
When grown indoors, pachyphytum compactum typically doesn’t grow any larger than 6″ to 8″ inches.
However, when grown outdoors in ideal conditions, pachyphytum cactus can reach up to 12″ inches tall.
When Does The Pachyphytum Cactus Flower? Are The Flowers Fragrant?
Pachyphytum compactum produces small pink, red, or orange flowers that bloom.
The blooming season depends on the species. The flowers are not typically fragrant.
What Are The Lighting Needs And Temperature Requirements?
Pachyphytum compactum does best in bright, indirect light.
If you live in a hot climate, it’s important to provide some afternoon shade to prevent the leaves from scorching. This plant can tolerate some sunlight if you live in a colder climate.
When grown indoors, providing pachyphytum cactus with bright light is vital. If you can’t provide bright light, consider using grow lights.
The ideal temperature range for pachyphytum compactum is 60° to 85° degrees Fahrenheit. When it begins to get cold, this plant will go into dormancy.
How and When To Water And Fertilize Pachyphytum Cactus?
Pachyphytum compactum is a succulent, so it’s important to let the soil dry out completely between watering.
Water your plant about once a week or when the soil is dry to the touch.
If you’re unsure whether or not to water your plant, it’s better to err on the side of too little water than too much.
When it comes to fertilizer, less is more. Use a light, balanced fertilizer about once a month during the spring and summer.
Be sure to dilute the fertilizer to half the recommended strength.
What Is The Best Soil For The Pachyphytum Compactum, And When Should You Transplant?
Pachyphytum compactum grows best in sandy, well-draining soils. If your soil is heavy or clay-like, you can mix in some perlite or sand to improve drainage.
It’s best to transplant pachyphytum compactum in the spring or summer when the plant is actively growing.
However, you should only do this once the plant has outgrown its pot.
Some best practices to follow when repotting your pachyphytum compactum include:
- Choose a pot that’s only 1″ to 2″ inches wider than the current pot.
- Use a well-draining potting mix, such as cactus mix or succulent mix.
- Be sure to water your plant thoroughly after transplanting.
Does Pachyphytum Compactum Need Special Grooming Or Maintenance?
Pachyphytum compactum is a low-maintenance plant that doesn’t require much grooming or maintenance.
However, it’s important to remove any dead leaves or stems as they occur. This will help keep your plant healthy and looking its best.
If you notice that your plant is starting to stretch out, it’s probably not getting enough light. Move it to a brighter location and see if that helps.
How To Over-Winter Pachyphytum Compactum?
If you live in a cold climate, bringing your pachyphytum compactum indoors for the winter is best.
This plant is not frost-tolerant and can be damaged by temperatures below 50° degrees Fahrenheit.
When bringing your plant indoors, place it in a bright location and water it as usual. You may notice that your plant grows more slowly during winter, but this is normal.
How To Propagate Pachyphytum Cactus?
Pachyphytum compactum can be propagated by:
- Stem cuttings
- Leaf cuttings
- Seeds
The best time to do this is in the spring or summer when the plant is actively growing.
To propagate by stem cutting, simply do the following:
- Cut a 4″ to 6″ inch piece of stem from the plant and remove the bottom leaves.
- Dip the cut end in rooting hormone and plant in a well-draining potting mix.
- Water well and keep the soil moist but not soggy.
The cutting should root within 4 to 6 weeks.
To propagate by leaf cutting, do the following:
- Remove a healthy leaf from the plant and cut off the leaf stalk.
- Dip the cut end in rooting hormone and place in a well-draining potting mix.
- Water well and keep the soil moist but not soggy.
The cutting should root within 4 to 6 weeks.
To propagate by seed, sow the seeds in a well-draining potting mix and keep the soil moist but not soggy.
The seeds should germinate within 4 to 6 weeks.
Pachyphytum Compactum Pests And Diseases
Regarding common problems, pachyphytum compactum is relatively pest and disease free.
However, mealybugs and aphids can be a problem if your plant is not healthy. These pests are attracted to stressed or unhealthy plants.
Some signs that your plant is stressed or unhealthy include:
- Stretched out stems
- Pale leaves
- Slow growth
- Brown, mushy leaves
- Yellowing leaves
If you notice any of these problems, take action immediately to improve your plant’s health. This will help prevent pests and diseases from taking hold.
If you notice any pests on your plant, you can remove them by hand or with a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol.
Check the underside of leaves and stems, as this is where pests often hide.
Root rot is another common problem among succulents, including pachyphytum compactum.
This can be caused by over-watering or poor drainage. If you think your plant has root rot, it’s important to take action immediately.
Some of the signs of root rot include:
- Pale leaves
- Soft, mushy leaves
- Slow growth
- Brown, mushy roots
- Yellowing leaves
If you notice these problems, stop watering your plant and let the soil dry out completely. Then, carefully remove the plant from its pot and check the roots.
If they are brown and mushy, they are probably affected by root rot. Cut away any affected roots and repot the plant in a well-draining potting mix.
Then, before repotting, you need to improve the drainage of your potting mix. You can do this by mixing in some perlite or sand.
Next, only water your plant when the soil is dry to the touch. If the problem persists, you may need to repot your plant into a well-draining potting mix.
Suggested Uses For Little Jewel
Pachyphytum compactum, also known as Little Jewel, is a beautiful succulent that can be used in several ways.
It’s perfect for growing in containers, on its own, or as part of a succulent arrangement.
To decorate with pachyphytum compactum, try using it in a succulent terrarium or as part of a succulent arrangement.
It also looks beautiful when planted in a group in a wide, shallow container.
If you’re looking for a plant that’s easy to care for and can brighten up any room in your home, pachyphytum compactum is perfect!