Pachyphytum Compactum (Little Jewel)

Description

The Pachyphytum compactum, otherwise known as Little Jewel, is a beautiful Mexican succulent with the most wonderfully thick and chunky, cylinder-shaped leaves covered in a soft, powdery coating of farina. These generally silvery-blue-grey green leaves tipped in shades of violet or purple have the habit of being stacked tightly in compact rosettes which makes the plant look quite literally like a little jewel. This is of course to some benefit, to prevent the leaves losing too much moisture so try not to handle them too much if you want to avoid skin oilmarks left on the precious powdery surface.

Naturally a clumper it grows offsets from the base which over time form a close, round clump of rosettes. This miniature species can be used in shallow succulent bowls, window sills, and on desk tops so that you are not too far from its gemstone colouring. They work especially well in mixed arrangements with other pastel coloured succulents where it can add a powdery, softening element to greener or brightly coloured neighbors.

A relatively fuss free succulent is Pachyphytum Compactum provided that the essentials are right- lots of light, very little watering and well drained, gritty compost. They do seem to tolerate drying out rather than being over-watered and tend to do better with being left alone! Given sufficient light Pachyphytum Compactum also has the ability to produce small bell shaped flowers in reddish orange on long, spindly stems, often seen during late winter into spring.

Key Features

• Chunky, jewel like, thick leaves with soft, powdery coating
• Silvery-blue to grey green with violet or purple leaf tips
• Clumping, compact habit that offsets into a fullness with age. 
• Very drought resistant once established.
• Low-maintenance and more forgiving of underwatering than overwatering
• Suited to window sills, shallow bowls, and mixed succulent arrangements
• Will produces bell-shaped reddish-orange flower in mature plant
• Lovely unusual bit of color in a collection of succulents, and very gift-friendly!

Care at a Glance

Product Specifications

What's in the Box

• 1 × Live Pachyphytum Compactum plant
• 1 × Pot (Bare-rooted/Pot: Optional)
• Well-draining potting mix
• Basic care guide

Important Notes

• Natural variation in leaf colour, powdery coating, and rosette size is normal from plant to plant
• Some leaf drop during transit is common for succulents and the plant usually recovers within a week or two
• Avoid touching the leaves too often, as the powdery farina coating can rub off and leave permanent marks
• Keep away from overwatering and waterlogging, especially during the monsoon season
• Avoid placing the plant in harsh, direct afternoon sun immediately after unpacking; let it acclimatise gradually
• Leaf colouring may appear more muted in low light and improve with brighter, well-lit conditions

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: The farina powder is wearing off my Pachyphytum Compactum. Any ideas? 

A: Farina is a powder that will rub off with the handling of the leaf so try to touch the leaves of this succulent as little as possible. This powder will not normally return to the same leaf again so be prepared for your new leaves to form with their farina intact! 

Q: How much/how often should I water it?

A: Only water the Pachyphytum Compactum when the soil is fully dry which could be anything from 14-18 days. It can endure being underwater far more easily than overwatering, so when there is a choice always go with watering your succulent after a few more days.

Q: Can I grow Pachyphytum Compactum inside?

A: Yes! It is very suitable to be grown indoors in bright window conditions that have plenty of indirect sunlight. Pachyphytums will grow lanky and leggy if they are given less light than is required to search for more.

Q: How fast does Pachyphytum Compactum grow?

A: Pachyphytum compactum are very slow growing, but they will send off offsets at the base over time which mature to become a more clustered bunch of rosettes after several years.

Q: Does Pachyphytum Compactum require fertilizer?

A: Fertilization is not strictly necessary to maintain a Pachyphytum Compactum. If you choose to feed them, a diluted all-purpose fertilizer once per month is sufficient throughout the spring and summer growing seasons. Skip the winter fertilization.

Q: Are Pachyphytum Compactum pets safe? 

A: This succulent is not a plant that can become a danger for your animals and humans and therefore is a good option for house owners which keep cats and dogs. As the standard rule, your pets must be warned not to gnaw the house plants.