the genus pachyphytum belongs to the crassulaceae family. the moon stones (pachyphytum oviferum) are native to mexiko. its orange to red flowers are shown in spring.

care

pachyphytum oviferum does best on a sunny location. but it also grows on a bright to light shaded place. during summer it can be placed on the balcony or in the garden. but make sure that rainwater can easily run out of the pot because sitting in water will cause rotten roots.

a standard cactus soil or a mix between humus, sand and gritty (2:1:1) can be used. if the plant is in active growth (spring to fall) it can be deep watered. whats running out of the pot’s hole must be removed after a few minutes. before adding water next allow to dry.

the moon stones can be fed monthly with a half diluted cactus fertilzer if they are in active growth. recently bought or repotted plants don’t need to be fertilized for the first six to eight weeks.

for showing its inflorescence in spring, a cold winter location may be helpful. pachyphytum oviferum can be placed at 5-10 °c (41-50 °f). at this temperature range it has to be kept nearly dry, a fertilizer must not be given. if placed at room temperature during winter, give it as much light as you can.

propagation

moon stones can be propagated by seeds, leaf or stem cuttings.

the genus gasteria belongs to the asphodelaceae family and contains about 22 species, native to south africa. a common name i havn’t found but sometimes gasteria carinata is called pencil leaf or octongue. there are some cultivars available with yellow or white variegated leaves.

care

gasteria carinata does best in bright and indirect light with some morning and/or evening sun. if not variegated it tolerates a half shady place. during the summer you can place it at a rain protected place in the garden or on the balcony.

the soil should be well drained, a standard cactus potting mix can be used. give as much water until it flows out the pot’s bottom hole. before watering next allow to dry.

a cactus fertilizer can be given in 1/4 to a 1/2 concentration. during spring and summer monthly and if placed at room temperature during the winter every six to eight weeks. re-potted plants don’t need fertilizer for the first eight weeks.

gasteria carinata can be placed at 10-15 ° C (50-59 °f) in winter. then the soil must kept nearly dry without fertilizing.

1+2: gasteria carinata var. verrucosa “variegata”, 3: gasteria carinata

propagation

gasteria carinata can be propagated by seeds, division or with leaf cuttings.