Here is another type of succulent that is hassle-free and beginner-friendly. Its dainty features combined with its prettily colored pastel leaves make this succulent a head-turner.
How to Identify Moonstone Succulent
This succulent is best identified by its small egg-shaped leaves that grow in loose clusters. It also features a tiny size (no more than 4 inches tall), a variety of colorful leaves when placed in healthy stressors, and bright orange or pink flowers in the Spring.
Where Does Moonstone Succulent Grow
This succulent is native to the rocky cliffs found in the state of San Luis Potosi, Mexico. It thrives in the moderately high altitude found there (1200 meters high).
Uses of Moonstone Succulent
There are many uses for this adorable, colorful, and dainty succulent. Here are just a few recommendations:
- Plant it in a small decorative container and use it as a decoration on a bookshelf, a windowsill, or a tabletop
- Plant it in a ground plot next to other succulents to create a colorful and textured garden
- Plant several Moonstone succulents in a large container until it is full and creates a lovely monochromatic garden of Moonstone succulents
How to Grow Moonstone Succulent from Seed
When it comes to growing any succulent, including Moonstone Succulent, from seed, it is a good idea to keep the following tips in mind.
- Purchase seeds from a reputable seller, whether that is online or at a local lawn and garden shop.
- Clean your hands and workspace before touching the seeds
- Gather the necessary supplies before planting the seeds. You will need a seed tray and succulent soil.
Once you have the seeds and the extra supplies, you can begin planting the seeds. The steps for doing this are:
- Fill the seed tray with the succulent soil
- Place the seeds on top of the soil
- Water the seeds from the bottom by soaking the seed tray in another tray full of water
- Place the lid of the seed tray on it so that water evaporation will be slowed
- Water the soil frequently (it should be constantly moist, but not soggy)
- Place the seed tray in a spot that is warm and gets plenty of bright indirect sunlight
- Once sprouts are visible, remove the lid of the seed tray to encourage air flow
- Once the new plants have established roots, their need for water will be less frequent, and eventually, they can be treated as a mature succulent
Moonstone Succulent Growing Conditions
Moonstone Succulent has the typical needs of any succulent: plenty of heat and sunlight, well-draining soil, and infrequent watering.
When to Plant Moonstone Succulent
When planted outside, it is recommended that Moonstone Succulent is planted during the warm, sunny months of spring and summer.
How to Plant Moonstone Succulent
When planting a Moonstone Succulent plant, it is a good idea to keep these tips in mind.
- Use a container that has drainage holes or select a ground plot that will drain water
- Use potting soil that is well-draining
- Use gravel at the bottom of the container or ground plot for extra drainage (optional)
- Since this succulent is not cold hardy, it is best to check the USDA Hardiness Zones Map before placing a Moonstone Succulent in a ground plot
Once you have selected where you to plant your Moonstone Succulent and the proper potting soil, follow these steps to plant it:
- Place some gravel at the bottom of the container or the ground plot selected
- Place the potting soil on top of the gravel
- Make a small hole in the potting soil
- Set the plant into the hole
- Cover the roots with potting soil and make sure the plant is secure in its new home
- Water the plant until the soil is moist but not soggy
Moonstone Water Requirements
The water requirements of Moonstone Succulent are also typical of most succulents. Since this plant is susceptible to root rot, it is best to use the soak and dry method when watering it. The steps for doing this are as follows:
- Fill a tray or a sink with a few inches of water.
- Set the plant container in the tray making sure that the water is not so deep that it will run over the top of the container. The point of watering in this way is so that the roots will soak up the water and the leaves will not get wet.
- Let the plant soak in the water for fifteen minutes. This will allow the root system to soak up water from the bottom of the container.
- Take the plant container out of the water.
- Place the plant container in a spot where the excess water can drain from the hole in the bottom.
- Repeat this only when the soil around the plant is dry.
Moonstone Succulent Sun Requirements
This plant is not tolerant of cold or rainy weather so it cannot be placed in the ground outside if it is not within USDA Hardiness Zone 10a to 11b.
When considering where to plant or place this plant’s container, find a spot that will get between six to hours of bright, but indirect sunlight each day. Also, make sure that its planter or ground plot will be able to drain off the water well.
Best Moonstone Succulent Fertilizer
During its growing season (winter), Moonstone Succulent can be given a half dose of organic fertilizer. Try Joyful Dirt Organic Houseplant Fertilizer for an exceptional and safe option.
Best Moonstone Succulent Companion Plantings
Once you get the hang of caring for Moonstone Succulent, you may want to add on to your succulent garden. There are plenty of lovely options to use as a companion plant for your Moonstone Succulent, but here are three that are also hassle-free and beginner-friendly.
Jelly Bean Plant
Adding this plant to your succulent collection will be hassle-free. It is so easy to care for and it is absolutely adorable.
The shape and color of its leaves really do look like jellybean candies. If that doesn’t convince you, here are some other reasons why you should get this succulent as a companion for your Moonstone Succulent.
Pros for Jelly Bean Plant
- It, too, is a native of Mexico
- It is easy to propagate via leaf cuttings
- It requires the same type of watering method as Moonstone Succulent
- It has the same soil and light requirements as Moonstone Succulent
- It is a small plant that gets no bigger than a foot tall
Now that you know the reasons why you should get a Jelly Bean Plant as a companion to your Moonstone Succulent, it is a good idea to consider the reasons why this may not be a good plant for you.
Cons for Jelly Bean Plant
- It is toxic to animals and humans
- It is a fast-growing plant that can take over a container
- It does not grow well when kept indoors
Still interested in Jelly Bean Plant? Purchase one or a dozen from one of these reputable online shops.
Haworthia ‘Concolor’
This is another tiny succulent that will look lovely next to Moonstone Succulent. It, too, has uniquely shaped and colored leaves. Not only is it tiny, quaint, and cute, it is really easy to care for, making it ideal for beginner gardeners. Here are a few more reasons to get one.
Pros for Haworthia ‘Concolor’
- It only grows up to 6 inches tall
- It propagates through offsets and seeds
- Its needs are typical of most succulents and cacti
- It is generally not toxic
- It is beginner-friendly
- It grows well when kept indoors
- It produces white blossoms in Spring or Fall
Now that you know the reasons why you should get Haworthia ‘Concolor’ as a companion to your Moonstone Succulent, it is a good idea to consider the reasons why this may not be a good plant for you.
Cons for Haworthia ‘Concolor’
- It is not cold hardy
- It can easy be overwatered
Still interested in Haworthia ‘Concolor’? Purchase one or a dozen from one of these reputable online shops.
Zebra Haworthia
If you are new to plants, this may be the perfect one to start with. It is very forgiving and very easy to care for. It does not require much from its caretaker. Here are some other reasons why you should consider adding one to your succulent garden.
Pros for Zebra Haworthia
- It can handle low to medium amounts of sunlight when kept indoors
- Its soil and water needs are typical of most succulents and cacti
- It is not toxic
- It goes dormant during the summer
- It is a small plant that grows between 5 and 20 inches tall
- It will turn shades of orange and red when placed under healthy stressors
Now that you know the reasons why you should get Zebra Haworthia as a companion to your Moonstone Succulent, it is a good idea to consider the reasons why this may not be a good plant for you.
Cons for Zebra Haworthia
- It can easily be overwatered and get root rot
- It can get sunburnt when placed in direct sunlight
- It is not cold hardy
Still interested in Zebra Haworthia? Purchase one or a dozen from one of these reputable online shops.
Moonstone Succulent Diseases and Common Problems
This succulent is susceptible to mealybugs and root rot.
Moonstone Succulent Treatments and Maintenance
Mealybugs
If you notice white fluff growing on your plant, you may have a mealybug infestation. To rid your plant of these pests, apply rubbing alcohol to any places on the plant where you see the white fluff or the actual insects. There is also the option of spraying the plant with a solution of diluted dish soap and water.
Mealybugs can also be hiding in the roots of the plant. If this is the case with your String of Bananas plant, it will require that you remove the plant from its container, shake off the soil, wash the roots with diluted alcohol or soapy water, allow the plant to dry, and then, replant it in new, fresh soil.
Note: Ridding your plant of mealybugs may take a few treatments over several weeks.
Root Rot
Dealing with root rot is a very difficult process that doesn’t guarantee success, so it is always best to prevent it from even occurring.
To prevent root rot, take the time to learn how to properly water a succulent. But, if it has already begun, follow these steps to help the plant survive:
- Allow the plant to dry out: This technique can be done if the root rot has not spread to the stems. What it entails is taking the plant out of the soil and letting them layout for a few days so the excess water will evaporate. Once this has been done, they should be replanted in fresh, clean, and dry soil.
- Remove any of the rotten parts of the plant: Trim off any areas of the plant that are rotting, then allow the plant to callous for a few days. Without letting it callous, the chances of the succulent surviving are very slim.
Moonstone Succulent Repotting Instructions
To replant a Moonstone Succulent, follow these steps:
- Select a new container that is well-draining and will allow the plant to have room to grow.
- Select a potting soil mix that is well-draining.
- Carefully remove the plant from its current container to reduce the number of leaves that fall off.
- Fill the new container with the potting soil mix.
- Create a small hole for the plant(s) to rest in.
- Carefully set the plant into the hole.
- Spread the potting soil around to make sure the hole is filled.
- Water in the soak and dry method.
- Place the container in a warm, partially sunlit spot.
Tip: Fallen leaves can be placed on top of the potting soil mix and many of them will root and grow from there.
Where to Buy Moonstone Succulent Seeds Online
If you plan to purchase some Moonstone Succulent seeds, try one of these online shops:
Where to Buy Moonstone Succulent Plants Online
If you plan to purchase a Moonstone Succulent plant, try one of these online shops:
FAQs
Question: Is Moonstone Succulent Toxic?
Answer: No, it is not considered toxic.
Question: Should Moonstone Succulent be Pruned?
Answer: It should not require regular pruning; however, it is always a good idea to remove dead, dry, or mushy leaves.
Question: What Colors Will Moonstone Succulent Turn When Placed Under Healthy Stressors?
Answer: Its leaves can be gray, gray-green, purple, blue, pink, yellow, or orange.
Concluding Thoughts
This is quite an extraordinary little plant that holds color and texture and overwhelming beauty. Its design is remarkable and its features are amiable. With Moonstone Succulent, you can have the stunning garden of your dreams without loads of work. It truly is a wonder.
Research Citations
Read more related articles:
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- Sansevieria Varieties (Snake Plants): A Complete Care and Growing Guide
- Succulent Types and Varieties: The Ultimate Guide
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