Pachyphytum compactum - Little Jewel

Highlights

Little Jewel (Pachyphytum compactum) (Rose): Resembles a cut gemstone with angular facets left by the pressure of neighboring leaves. This species is native to the rocky slopes of Hidalgo, Mexico. It is a matte blue-green but can show tinges of violet when gently stressed by full sun, drought, or cool 50F temperatures. The leaves have a powdery coating of natural wax (farina). It grows tall stems that eventually bend to the ground and lose their lower leaves. Fortunately, members of the Pachyphytum (meaning "fat plant") genus have a high success rate of propagation from stem cuttings to keep rosettes from looking overgrown.

Soft succulents will not survive a hard frost, but if there is a risk of freezing temperatures they can be brought indoors to grow on a sunny window sill or under a grow light. They need bright sun, great drainage, and infrequent water to thrive. Pick containers with drainage holes and use well-draining cactus and succulent soil with 50% to 70% mineral grit such as coarse sand, pumice, or perlite. Water deeply enough for water to run out the drainage hole, then wait for the soil to fully dry before watering again.

This variety is easy to re-root from stem cuttings. Look to our Succulent Cuttings Guide for tips on succulent propagation.

Product Size

2.0" Pot

Current Primary Color

Blue / Blue-green

All Seasonal Colors

Purple / Black

Bloom Color

Yellow Bloom

Grow Zone (Hardiness)

Zone 10 (30F)

Recommended Light Conditions

Bright Indoor Light, Filtered / Partial Sun

Maximum Height

Over 12"

Maximum Rosette Size

5"-6"

Growth Habit / Shape

Rosette, Vertical Grower / Tall Stem

Special Characteristic

Easy to Propagate, Pet Safe

THIS PLANT IS HARDY IN ZONES 10+

10

WHAT IS MY HARDINESS ZONE?

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Popular Questions

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3 years ago

What size pot See answer

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3 years ago  •  Staff Answer

This plant is sold in a 2 inch pot. See full answer »

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2 years ago

Do these need more light than echeveria? See answer

I got two of your Little Jewels from mini succulent plugs about 2 months ago. They are in small individual pots next to echeverias Lola, prolifera, and Perle con Nurnburg, as well as crassula Pagoda Village and graptosedum Alpenglow. All of those plants are showing compact growth and nice color, so I think they’re getting enough light, but my Little Jewels seem to be stretching. There is stem visible between the leaves on the lower 2/3 of the plants. Does Little Jewel need more sun, or is something else wrong? Or is this normal? See more »

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2 years ago  •  Staff Answer

It sounds like those plants just need some more light. In our greenhouses, we have yet to see light need differences between Pachyphytum 'Little Jewel' and those particular Echeveria, but the symptoms you mentioned are classic signs that a succulent needs more sunlight. See full answer »

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2 years ago

I have a little jewel and my leaves or falling off what is happening ? hkdmom@sbcglobal.net See answer

that i order from you guys See more »

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2 years ago  •  Staff Answer

Unfortunately, there are many reasons why a plant may drop leaves. You can click the link below to read our FAQ article about that particular subject. If that doesn't help narrow down the issue, know that you can always reach out to our customer service team via email at info@mountaincrestgardens.com and send them a few clear photos of your plant. If you do that, be sure to include the following information:

1) Growing conditions (full sun, part sun, filtered sun, indoors, outdoors, etc.)
2) Soil used for planting
3) Watering schedule
4) Does the container have a hole for drainage?
Source: https://mountaincrestgardens.com/faqs... See full answer »

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3 years ago

I live in zone 7a this plant seems to be wilting in the winter weather here. Any advice? See answer

Plant is not thriving See more »

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3 years ago  •  Staff Answer

Pachyphytum are not frost hardy and cannot grow outdoors in winter in zone 7. You'll want to bring your plant indoors immediately and keep it dry and well-lit, if you think it is salvageable. See full answer »

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1 year ago

What soil does this plant need? See answer

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1 year ago  •  Staff Answer

A well draining, gritty soil is best for a plant like this. For more information on soil, click the link below.
Source: https://mountaincrestgardens.com/faqs... See full answer »

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8 months ago

Is this a slow grower? Not sure if I should plant in a 2" pot. See answer

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8 months ago  •  Staff Answer

It'll come to you already rooted in a 2" pot, so we recommend up potting. Try a 3.5" or 4" pot. See full answer »

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9 months ago

WHAT KIND OF SOIL DO I NEED? See answer

WHAT KIND OF SOIL DO I NEED? See more »

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9 months ago  •  Staff Answer

A well draining, gritty soil is ideal. You can read more specifically about our soil recommendations by clicking the link below.
Source: https://mountaincrestgardens.com/faqs... See full answer »

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4 years ago

What kind of soil should I use with succulents? See answer

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4 years ago  •  Staff Answer

Shop Succulent Soil Here

Succulents need grittier soil than other plants because they are adapted to dry conditions and store water in their leaves. Regular potting soil mixes stay damp for long periods of time, which can cause rot in succulents. Instead, use a sandy, well-draining soil so you can water thoroughly without leaving your succulent in standing water.

IN POTS…

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4 years ago

When should I plant my succulents after they arrive? See answer

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4 years ago  •  Staff Answer

Our plants can be transplanted immediately upon arrival.
If you want to wait to transplant, they can remain in their original containers for up to a month. If the pots came in a plastic carrier tray, remove the pots from the carrier tray prior to the first watering.

Keep the plants indoors near a sunny window or outdoors under a roof (only if outdoor temperatures stay above your succulent's minimum hardiness temperature). Water only after the soil is fully dry by drenching from above with a faucet, hose, or watering can. Gently shake excess water from the leaves and allow containers to drain completely.

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4 years ago

Do I need to fertilize succulents? See answer

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4 years ago  •  Staff Answer

Fertilizing is not necessary, but it is a good option for succulent growers who want to encourage faster, larger growth. It can be used on mature plants with established roots. Only fertilize in the growing season (spring and summer for most varieties) to avoid weakening or burning dormant plants. Use a light touch and make 2-3 applications of low-Nitrogen, diluted fertilizer each year (N-P-K ratio around 5-10-10). You can find specially-formulated cactus / succulent fertilizers in most garden centers or go organic with compost tea or bone meal.

Example: Miracle-Gro Quick Start, diluted to half strength

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