Pachyphytum' Apricot Beauty' is a succulent plant from the Crassulaceae family. It is native to Mexico and is a unique succulent plant due to its attractive appearance and easy care requirements. This plant has plump leaves that form a rosette and are typically green with yellow and pink tones. Unlike many other variegated succulents, its color is remarkably stable even after propagation.
Under the right conditions, the variegated leaves will turn into a pink-to-orange gradient that is simply breathtaking, making it a standout addition to any collection. This blog will introduce how to keep this beauty thriving for every season. Take advantage of the chance to learn how to care for this stunning thing like a PRO!
How to Care for Pachyphytum' Apricot Beauty'
Spring
To ensure optimal growth during the spring and fall seasons, Pachyphytum 'Apricot Beauty' requires a sufficient amount of water. For small-size succulent-addicted growers, it is recommended to water the plant only when the lower leaves display signs of wilting and drying, which can assist in managing the plant's size. For regular planting, the watering frequency will depend on the humidity level of their location, but generally, once a week should be enough. So, remember to use the "soak and dry" method, whereby the plant is watered only when the potting soil has become completely dry. If you are new to caring for succulents, using a moisture meter can help you observe the soil's humidity level before watering.
When caring for Pachyphytum' Apricot Beauty', it's important to note that this variegated succulent thrives in well-draining soil and does not do well in damp soil. To ensure that the plant grows healthy, using professional succulent soil with excellent drainage and flower pots with drainage holes is crucial. Additionally, the watering frequency of the plant should be adjusted based on the ratio of gritty rocks to soil particles. If the soil contains more gritty rocks, the succulent will require more frequent watering, and if there are fewer gritty rocks, watering should be reduced.
To expedite the plant's transformation to pink or orange, positioning Pachyphytum' Apricot Beauty' in a sunny location such as a patio, porch, or windowsill is recommended. During this season, a sunshade is not required. However, if you reside in a region that experiences substantial rainfall, it is advisable to plant Pachyphytum' Apricot Beauty' in a planter pot with drainage holes. This measure will prevent water accumulation in the pot, which can lead to plant rot and death.
Fertilizing Pachyphytum' Apricot Beauty' correctly can promote optimal plant growth. This can be achieved by repotting the succulent with succulent soil that contains more organic matter. Alternatively, apply a few slow-release granular fertilizers with inorganic nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium in the potting soil. Another option is using water-soluble fertilizer that is specifically formulated for succulents. Dilute the fertilizer with water according to the specific ratio, then use the bottom watering method to enable the roots to absorb more nutrients from the drainage holes, promoting healthy roots and vigorous plant growth.
In addition to those above, succulent plants are more susceptible to spider and aphid infestations during the spring season. Aphids frequently appear on the flowers' stems. It is critical to promptly remove them to prevent the pests from congregating and causing damage to the plants.
Summer
To reduce the quantity of watering required for Pachyphytum' Apricot Beauty' during summer, consider making adjustments to your regular watering routine. Overwatering should be avoided because it can cause the stems and leaves of the plant to turn black and rot rapidly. If you reside in a city that experiences frequent rainfall, we recommend sheltering the plant from the rain or keeping it indoors to prevent overwatered damage.
When Pachyphytum' Apricot Beauty' experiences water shortage, the lower parts of its fleshy leaves tend to wrinkle. In such cases, it is recommended to water the soil along the pot's wall in the evening or early morning. However, avoid splashing water on the fleshy leaves, as it can be harmful and lead to rot or sunburn.
During the summer season, it is imperative to ensure that the Pachyphytum' Apricot Beauty' is positioned in a well-ventilated area, which can effectively reduce the risk of succulent suffocation and rot as a result of high temperature and humidity. Before the temperature rises over 30℃/86℉, it is advisable to prepare a sunshade net for outdoor succulent plants. If the succulents are potted, it would be prudent to move them into a greenhouse or beneath a porch, as direct sunlight during the summer months could cause sunburn.
Additionally, for further information on spots on succulent leaves, kindly refer to this blog: A Full Guide on Molds Spots on Succulents ID & Cause Solution.
Autumn
The maintenance of Pachyphytum' Apricot Beauty' can be similar to spring. It is noteworthy that during the late autumn, creating conducive growing conditions for succulents becomes paramount to ensure their survival during the winter. Since most succulents from the Crassulaceae family cannot grow below 5°C/41℉, it's time to move them indoors.
Winter
Pachyphytum' Apricot Beauty' is a highly drought-tolerant plant that does not have a specific dormancy period. The ultimate low temperature it can withstand is 5°C/41℉. During the cold winter months, it is essential to provide the plant with enough sunlight to maintain its color while simultaneously reducing the watering frequency. Unlike watering timing in summer, applying water to the plant on sunny days at noon in winter can prevent the plant from freezing.
When the temperature drops below 5°C/41℉, it is crucial to stop watering the plant to keep the potting soil dry, which can prevent frostbite on the root system of Pachyphytum' Apricot Beauty'.
It is worth noting that during this time, the plant may grow taller and leggy, but this is not a cause for concern. When spring arrives, propagating new growth can be achieved by beheading the plant. After this process, the mother plant will elegantly form clusters, which is a beautiful sight to behold.
It is not advisable to repot succulents during the winter to prevent any adverse consequences.
How to Propagate Pachyphytum 'Apricot Beauty'?
Many variegated succulent varieties can only be propagated by stem cuttings or beheading to ensure the variegata characteristic. The most typical succulent is Echeveria Rainbow. However, Pachyphytum' Apricot Beauty' can also be propagated from leaves with a relatively high success rate. The ideal propagation seasons are spring and autumn when the ambient temperature ranges between 5-25°C/41-75℉.
Propagating Pachyphytum' Apricot Beauty' from leaves is a simple process. Follow these steps:
- 1. Select healthy leaves and twist them off from the stems.
- 2. Put the healthy leaves in a well-ventilated area and wait for the cut to callus over for two to three days.
- 3. After forming the callus, place the leaves on slightly moist potting soil.
- 4. Spray some water on the soil in the next two weeks to keep it moist and wait for fresh roots and babies to emerge.
- 5. Once the new succulent is established, add a little soil to cover the root and wait a few more months before replanting them into individual planter pots.
By following these easy steps, you can successfully propagate Pachyphytum' Apricot Beauty' from its leaves.
How to Encourage Old Pile Look?
Pachyphytum' Apricot Beauty' is a succulent plant that forms layer rosettes upward, thus making it an ideal choice for cultivating into an aesthetically pleasing succulent bonsai. The unique and alluring appearance of this plant is one of the reasons why succulent enthusiasts widely appreciate it.
Cultivating Pachyphytum' Apricot Beauty' to achieve a bonsai tree look is a simple task. The first step is to strengthen the root system of the plant. Proper fertilizing and enough sun exposure will promote stem growth. Once the stems have reached a certain length, you can hang a heavy object at the top of the stem, allowing it to bend naturally. In a few months, the branches will become stretched out and grow similar to a bonsai. At this point, you can remove a few pairs of leaves from the bottom of the stems and expose them to sunlight, allowing them to become lignified and form old piles.
Conclusion
Pachyphytum' Apricot Beauty' is a striking succulent that boasts beautiful leaves in vibrant hues, even in dormant seasons. Its ornamental value surpasses that of ordinary succulents, making it a must-have for any plant enthusiast looking to add a touch of beauty to their collection.
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