€7,95

🌱 Morphology
  Succulent with an upright to decumbent habit, with simple or basal-branched stems that can reach about 16 cm in length. At their tips, they develop relatively loose rosettes measuring 8.5–9 cm in diameter, formed by fleshy, elongated, lanceolate or oblanceolate leaves, approximately 3.6–7.1 cm long. The leaves have a very pronounced concavity on the upper surface and a convex lower surface, with an obtuse or truncated apex and entire margins.

Its main appeal lies in the purplish-green color of the leaves, covered by a whitish pruinose coating that gives them a matte, powdery finish. The combination of purple, green, and silver tones gives the rosette a mineral appearance. Unlike Pachyphytum oviferum, which has shorter, ovoid leaves, P. saltensis has notably longer, narrower, and more concave leaves.

🌍 Distribution, habitat, and family
Endemic species to Mexico, known only from its type locality in the state of Zacatecas, in the municipality of Monte Escobedo, in the El Salto area, near the road to Jerez, at an altitude of about 1,900 m. The species was initially located in 1996 and rediscovered in flower in 2004. The authors of its description counted around 30 specimens in a very small area, so it is a microendemic species with an extremely restricted distribution.

It grows on cliffs and vertical rock faces, which are difficult to access, where the roots establish themselves in small crevices and accumulations of mineral material. The El Salto area takes its name from a canyon crossed by a permanent stream, although the plants grow on the rocky cliffs and should not be interpreted as an aquatic species or one adapted to continuously moist soils. Its habitat combines rapid drainage with climatic conditions typical of an inland mountainous area.

This specialization explains the importance of providing it with a balanced substrate and avoiding waterlogging. As it is a species with such a limited distribution, it is advisable to keep cultivated specimens properly identified and to encourage propagation in nurseries to reduce pressure on natural populations.

Crassulaceae family · Pachyphytum genus · Pachyphytum section.

❄️ Temperature
USDA 9a: −6.7 °C, the lower climatic limit of this area. This figure does not prove that the species tolerates that temperature. There are no conclusive frost resistance tests, so conservative protection against intense cold is recommended, especially when the substrate is moist. Its mountainous origin does not mean it can withstand prolonged frosts in cultivation without damage.

☀️ Lighting
Full sun · DLI PAR 20–30 mol·m⁻²·day⁻¹. Abundant light helps maintain compact growth and highlights the purplish-green color of the leaves. It is recommended to gradually acclimate it to direct sunlight and provide adequate ventilation. In summer, if temperatures are very high, it may benefit from protection during the middle hours of the day.

💧 Growth cycle and watering
Summer dormancy. During active growth, it is recommended to water thoroughly and let the substrate dry out completely before the next watering. During extreme temperatures or slowed growth, water applications should be spaced out. It is essential to avoid persistent moisture around the roots, especially during cold weather.

🌸 Flowering
Flowering usually occurs between December and May, according to the original botanical description. Each rosette can produce an inflorescence measuring approximately 25–35 cm, with between 7 and 16 flowers. The petals are small, about 7–9 mm, with a combination of pink tones at the base, red in the middle, and greenish towards the apex. The sepals have wine-green tones, which contrast with the color of the corolla.

🌿 Nutrition
During the active growth period, Desert CHOICE® Succulents is recommended, applied after watering. Before flowering, it can be supplemented with Desert CHOICE® Flowering. During dormancy, if growth has stopped, fertilization is not recommended.

This is an inimitable xerophyte cultivated in Madrid in a technological square pot and with the substrate activated with mycorrhizal fungi.
9x9 cm pot

• Hassle-free returns

• Free Shipping on orders over €79.99

• Secure and protected payment guaranteed.