Last updated on August 25th, 2023 at 12:29 pm
Pachyphytum fittkaui has always been a favorite of gardeners and landscapers due to its striking appearance and low maintenance requirements.
Pachyphytum fittkaui has earned a reputation as an incredibly easy-care plant with excellent propagation potential. If you’re new to gardening and want to try your hand at growing from cuttings, start with Pachyphytum fittkaui!
One of the most frequently asked questions about this plant, however, is how to propagate it so that you can share your love with your friends and family (or just expand your collection).
A member of the succulent genus Pachyphytum, Pachyphytum fittkaui has many unique characteristics that make it quite desirable as an easy-care houseplant. I have to say, my favorite characteristic is its potential to be propagated from stem cuttings – no special equipment required!
Origin and distribution
Pachyphytum fittkaui is a species of succulent plant native to Mexico. It can be found in the wild in the states of Hidalgo and Queretaro. These plants are easy to grow and propagate, making them an excellent choice for a beginner gardener.
The plants require very little water or fertilizer and have very few pest problems. You should fertilize every three months with a standard houseplant fertilizer.
The leaves tend to droop during long periods without water, but they will bounce back when watered again.
Pachyphytum fittkaui propagation
Pachyphytum fittkaui can be propagated easily from leaf or stem cuttings. This plant does best in bright, indirect light but can tolerate some direct sun.
For propagation, take a 3-inch long cutting with at least one node (the point where leaves emerge) using sharp scissors. Place the cutting into a pot of moist potting soil and water until the soil is saturated.
Place the pot in an area with good air circulation to prevent rot. After 4 weeks, roots should have formed on the cutting and it will need watering less often than before.
Keep new plants well-watered and fertilized for maximum growth potential. In general, they do not require a lot of water or fertilizer unless placed in low light conditions.
Fertilizer should only be applied once per month when the plant is actively growing. If you find your plant wilting, try giving it more water. If this doesn’t work, check the soil to make sure it isn’t too dry.
More severe wilting problems are typically caused by low humidity so consider placing your pachyphytum near a humidifier or other source of moisture such as a fish tank or terrarium.
Pachyphytum fittkaui care information
Pachyphytum fittkaui is relatively easy to care for succulents. It makes an excellent houseplant because it needs little care once established and propagates easily from stem cuttings.
Light requirement
Pachyphytum fittkaui is a low-light plant that can tolerate a wide range of lighting conditions, from full sun to deep shade. In a brightly lit area, it may grow slowly and appear pale; in less light, it will produce darker leaves with reddish-purple undersides. Bright indirect light is best for this species.
Soil/potting mix
Pachyphytum fittkaui grows best in a well-draining cactus mix or potting soil. If you’re using a potting mix, make sure to add extra perlite or pumice to ensure adequate drainage.
Watering
Pachyphytum fittkaui is a succulent that does best with infrequent watering. Allow the soil to dry out completely before watering again. When you do water, make sure to give the plant a good soaking so that water reaches the roots.
Pachyphytum fittkaui is drought tolerant and can withstand long periods of dryness. When you do water, make sure to allow the soil to dry out completely before watering again.
Fertilizer
When it comes to fertilizer, less is more for Pachyphytum fittkaui. This plant doesn’t need a lot of nutrients, so using a light fertilizer will help prevent root burn. Once or twice a year should be sufficient but fertilize sparingly during the winter months.
Temperature
Pachyphytum fittkaui is a tropical plant, so it likes warm weather. It can tolerate temperatures as low as 50 degrees Fahrenheit, but it will start to look sad at that temperature.
If you want your plant to look its best, keep it in a spot where the temperature stays above 60 degrees. There are many ways to do this. One option is placing it near a heat source such as on top of a fireplace or by an indoor heating vent. You could also use supplemental lighting such as placing it next to an indoor grow light.
Another good option would be using artificial turf underfoot with bulbs overhead for increased warmth and ambient light levels.
Humidity
Pachyphytum fittkaui is a plant that comes from semi-desert regions, so it’s used to hot, dry air. In our homes, the air is much more humid, which can cause the leaves to rot. To help your plant adjust and avoid leaf rot, start by gradually acclimating it to the humidity levels in your home. You can do this by misting the leaves lightly every day for a week or two.
The ideal humidity range is 50% – 60%. The easiest way to check this is with a hygrometer (available at garden centers), but an easy way to gauge if the humidity is within an acceptable range is to use your hands. If you feel the moisture on your hands after rubbing them together for about 10 seconds, then you know that the humidity level is between 50% – 60%.
Pruning
Pachyphytum fittkaui is a slow-growing succulent that can tolerate being pruned back quite severely. This makes it an ideal plant for those who want an easy-care succulent that doesn’t require much attention.
When pruning, be sure to use clean, sharp scissors or knives to avoid damaging the plant. You should also try not to cut too close to the center of the rosette as this may cause rot in humid conditions.
After you have finished your trimming, place the removed parts in a small container with potting soil and keep them out of direct sunlight until they are ready to be replanted. Be careful when planting because if you do not bury all of the removed parts (especially if there are still roots on them) they will quickly dry out and die.
When to repot
Repotting Pachyphytum fittkaui is best done in the spring after the plant has had a chance to rest. The frequency with which you’ll need to repot will depend on the size of your plant and the pot it’s in. If your plant is rootbound or the pot is cracked, it’s time for a new home.
Gently remove the plant from its current pot and replant in the fresh, well-draining cactus mix. To get an idea of how much potting mix you’ll need, take out the plant from its old pot. Fill the bottom 2/3rds of the new container with dry soil and place your Pachyphytum plants upright into it.
Add more soil until about 1 inch below the rim of the container. Firmly pack down around all sides and water sparingly until there are no more air pockets in between pots or at roots.
Dormancy/Winter rest
Pachyphytum fittkaui will enter dormancy during the winter months. During this time, it is important to allow the plant to rest. Watering should be reduced and the plant should be kept in a cool, dark place.
Once spring arrives, watering can be increased and the plant can be moved to a brighter location. As soon as new growth appears, remove any dead leaves that may have developed over the course of the winter.
Flowers & fragrance
The flowers of Pachyphytum fittkaui are small and white, with a faint fragrance. They grow on tall stems up to 24 inches high in the wild. Cultivated plants have larger flowers that are occasionally pink or lavender, but mostly white. These plants also have a nice scent when they flower.
Growth rate
Pachyphytum fittkaui is a relatively slow-growing succulent, typically only putting on about an inch of growth each year. However, with the right care, this plant can thrive and produce offsets (baby plants) at a rapid pace.
If you’re looking for a low-maintenance plant that is easy to propagate, Pachyphytum fittkaui is a great choice!
Toxicity
Pachyphytum fittkaui is not considered to be toxic to humans or animals. However, as with all plants, it is best to err on the side of caution and keep this plant out of reach of small children and pets.
If ingested, this plant can cause gastrointestinal upset, so it is important to seek medical attention if you suspect your child or pet has eaten any part of this plant.
USDA hardiness zones
Pachyphytum fittkaui thrives best in USDA hardiness zones 10-11, but can also survive and grow well in zone 9. Like most succulents, the leaves are fleshy and cover the plant like a coat. As it matures, this plant will be a beautiful addition to any garden!
Pests and diseases
Pachyphytum fittkaui is a fairly easy-care plant that is resistant to most pests and diseases. However, mealybugs can be a problem, as well as rot if the plant is kept too wet. Thankfully, both of these problems are easily remedied with proper care.
If you suspect your plant has either of these problems, act quickly to nip it in the bud! First, remove any leaves or flowers from the base of the plant to check for infestation.
Second, gently wash off any visible residue from infested leaves or flowers with water (and a little dish soap).
Finally, cut off any infected tissue close to its base and discard it.
You’ll want to repeat this process every few days until all signs of an infestation have been eliminated.
And remember: keep your pachyphytum moist but not soggy!
