Synonyms:

No synonyms are recorded for this species name.

Habitat:

Pachyphytum ‘Chiseled Stones’ f. crestata is a hybrid of unknown parentage, probably obtained from P. compactum, thus it doesn’t exist in nature. However, Pachyphytums in general are native to Mexico, where they usually dwell in shady cliffs at altitudes up to 2000 meters, in very dry and windy conditions.

Description:

Pachyphytum ‘Chiseled Stones’ f. crestata is a beautiful succulent that is actually an hybrid of unknown parentage, probably obtained from P. compactum, very appreciated for its bright green foliage made up of numerous leaves arranged in multiple rosettes which, in the crested form, are irregularly shaped, because the typical compact fan shape of the crested forms combines with the arrangement in rosettes of the regular forms creating unique results, making each specimen unique and very sought after by succulent lovers. Stems are rigid, thick and erect (slightly prostrate to form the fan-shaped habit in crested forms), and they support branchings. Leaves are fleshy and have a pointed oval shape, almost cylindrical with flattened facets similar to gems, which is why it is also called “Little Jewel”, and with dark, rigid, thick, fleshy extremity. The colour of the leaves is usually bright green, but it can take on some purple tinges, if exposed to intense light or in dry cold conditions. Remaining low and compact, Pachyphytum ‘Chiseled Stones’ f. crestata is the perfect houseplant to put close to a window and decorate your office or home! The flowers are pink with green tips on the outside and orange inside, and they are borne on a stem around 30 centimeters long. It roots are fine and medium, reaching 20 centimeters in length: this plant fits perfectly in pots.

Cultivation:

Pachyphytum ‘Chiseled Stones’ f. crestata is not so difficult to grow: another reason why it’s so appreciated and sought after among succulent lovers. It is recommended to place it in a bright place, completely exposed to direct sunlight, especially in autumn. A direct exposure to sunlight will in fact enhance the colour of its leaves, making it much more intense and deep.
Keep it at mild temperatures:never below 8 °C. During the Winter, if you live in cold climate areas, we advice to put it indoors or, at least, to shelter it.
As its growth season occurs in Spring and Summer, you’ll have to water regularly in Summer and sparingly in Autimn and Winter, waiting for the soil to dry up completely before each irrigation (once a week in spring and summer will do well and once a month in autumn and winter).
A well-draining and porous soil is the ideal solution, better if further enriched with inert materials such as pumice or lapilli. A good possibility could be a misture of 3/4 potting soil + 1/4 topsoil + organic fertilizer. Pachyphytum ‘Chiseled Stones’ f. crestata doesn’t need frequent fertilizations: it is sufficient to apply the fertilizer diluted with watering once a year.

Propagation:

Pachyphytum leaves make excellent cuttings and are generally used for propagation. Place a leaf detached from the mother plant in a bed of sand in spring, taking care to let the wound dry first. Water moderately and keep at a temperature of about 21°C.

Curiosity:

Its name derives from Greek and literally means “big plant”, referring mostly not to the size of the succulent, which is actually of a moderate size (maximum half a meter), but to the fleshyness of its leaves, which sometimes take a rounded shape.

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