How to grow Pachyphytum oviferum? An introduction to the latest cultivation methods
Pachyphytum oviferum, also known as White Beauty, Tongchui Cao, Feitian and so on, is a perennial succulent herbaceous plant of the genus Pachyphytum in the Crassulaceae family, native to San Luis Potosi in central Mexico, and has been introduced and cultivated in China; it is a common potted ornamental succulent plant, with flowers opening in early summer and extremely high ornamental value. Now let us take a look at how to grow Pachyphytum oviferum well!
Growth habits of Pachyphytum oviferum
Pachyphytum oviferum is a tropical plant that loves sunlight and tolerates drought, slightly tolerant of partial shade but not cold, suitable for growing in a sunny, cool and dry environment, and averse to damp shade and hot, stuffy heat. In winter the minimum temperature needs to be above 10 degrees, and it requires well-drained soil, ideally a mix of sandy soil and small gravel. It likes a warm, dry environment with plenty of light, is highly drought-tolerant, and requires loose, well-drained sandy loam. It grows well under conditions of warm winters and cool summers, and does not tolerate hot, humid summer weather.
Propagation methods of Pachyphytum oviferum
The propagation methods of Pachyphytum oviferum mainly include sowing and division, beheading, and leaf cuttings. Leaf cuttings root very easily; generally they are just dropped on the soil surface and left alone, and they will naturally sprout roots and small leaves to become independent little Pachyphytum oviferum plants. After beheading, side branches grow easily. If not beheaded and left to grow continuously, the plant's old stem will grow very long before it starts to branch. For a more beautiful look, it should be beheaded once it has grown to a decent size to stimulate side buds, so that the plant becomes a beautiful cluster.
How to grow Pachyphytum oviferum well?
1. Environment: For Pachyphytum oviferum, choose loose, fertile, well-drained sandy loam as the growing medium. It can be kept year-round indoors by a sunny south-facing window or on a south-facing balcony. If placed outdoors, be careful to avoid rain, to prevent the white powder on the leaf surface from coming off, which would affect its ornamental value and health, but note that in summer it should be properly shaded.
2. Summer: In summer, when temperatures are high, Pachyphytum oviferum is in a dormant or semi-dormant state, growing slowly or completely stagnating. Ventilation should be strengthened, and bright light without strong direct sunlight is required. Watering should be appropriately reduced, just enough to keep the roots from drying out due to excessive dryness, to prevent the plant from rotting caused by stuffy heat and humidity.
3. Winter: In winter, Pachyphytum oviferum requires cool conditions for cultivation, preferably maintaining a room temperature of around 10°C. There is no need to water too much; keeping the potting soil slightly moist is enough. Do not fertilize either, and provide plenty of sunlight. When the temperature drops below 3 degrees, gradually reduce water; below 0 degrees, keep the potting soil dry, and try to keep it no lower than minus 3 degrees.
4. Spring and autumn: Spring and autumn are the main growing seasons for Pachyphytum oviferum. Keep the potting soil moist but not waterlogged. If the potting soil is too dry, the lower leaves of the plant will wither and drop, while waterlogged potting soil will cause root rot. Apply a diluted, well-rotted nitrogen fertilizer or compound fertilizer once every 20 to 30 days, and when spring begins, watering should be increased gradually, otherwise root rot may occur.
5. Repotting: Repot once every 1 to 2 years in spring. The potting soil should be loose, fertile and well-drained. A mix of 2 parts leaf mold, 1 part garden soil, and 3 parts coarse sand or vermiculite can be used, with a small amount of bone meal mixed in. To separate the plant from contact with the soil surface and to improve aeration, clean granular river sand or pumice can be spread on top, with river sand sized 3 to 5 millimeters.