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Cactus SucculentHouseplants

Pachyphytum bracteosum

silver bracts

A compact perennial succulent, forming rosettes of short, rounded, fleshy silvery-grey leaves, that are sometimes flushed pink in strong light. In late spring and early summer, upright stems produce bright red flowers, almost completely enclosed in long silvery bracts

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Size
Ultimate height
0.1–0.5 metres
Time to ultimate height
2–5 years
Ultimate spread
0.1–0.5 metres
Growing conditions
Sand
Moisture
Well–drained
pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Grey Silver Red Grey Silver
Summer Grey Silver Red Grey Silver Pink
Autumn Grey Silver
Winter Grey Silver
Position
  • Full sun
Aspect

South–facing or West–facing

Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness
H2
Botanical details
Family
Crassulaceae
Native to the UK
No
Foliage
Evergreen
Habit
Clump forming
Genus

A small genus of rosette-forming succulent shrubs, native to Mexico, with thick, fleshy, almond-shaped green to purple leaves and bell-shaped greenish-white to dark red flowers which hang from spikey stems

Name status

Correct

How to grow

Cultivation

Grow in sharply drained cactus compost in a greenhouse (minimum 5°C), or as a houseplant on a sunny windowsill. Water moderately while in growth and keep almost dry at other times. Apply a low-nitrogen fertiliser every 6-8 weeks in spring and summer. See houseplant cacti and succulent cultivation for further information

Propagation

Propagate by seed sown at 19-24°C in spring, or by leaf cuttings in summer

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • Houseplants
  • Patio and container plants
  • Conservatory and greenhouse
Pruning

No pruning required

Pests

May be susceptible to mealybugs when grown under glass

Diseases

Generally disease-free

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