Pachyphytum hookeri (Salm-Dyck) A.Berger
Hooker's Pachyphytum
Pachyphytum hookeri, named in honor of botanist Joseph Dalton Hooker, is a Mexican succulent native to the states of Hidalgo and Querétaro. It bears elongated, subterete leaves that distinguish it from other genus members, with coloration ranging from blue-green to pinkish under light stress.
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Overview
| Category | Classification |
|---|---|
| Family | Crassulaceae |
| Genus | Pachyphytum |
| Growth Habit | Open rosette with somewhat lax leaves; erect stem reaching 15–20 cm before leaning; produces few basal offsets. |
| Conservation Status | Not formally assessed; endemic to Sierra Madre Oriental in Mexico; scarce in cultivated collections. |
| pH Target | 6.0 – 7.0 |
| Type | Calcareous-sandy soil with excellent drainage and low humus content. |
Origin & Habitat
Morphology
Subterete to oblong-spatulate leaves 4–7 cm long, grey-blue-green with moderate farina; apex rounded; under water or light stress, margins acquire pink to magenta tones.
ecoErect stem to 20 cm, somewhat slimmer than P. bracteosum; tends to lean laterally under the weight of the mature rosette.
ecoErect raceme 25–40 cm; tubular orange-red flowers, petals with internal reddish markings; flowering February to April.
ecoFibrous root system of moderate depth; somewhat more robust than in smaller genus species.
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Requirements
Soil & Substrate
Type
Calcareous-sandy soil with excellent drainage and low humus content.
groups Beneficial Associations
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Propagation Strategy
- 1 Choose a fully mature, cigar-shaped elongated leaf; gently twist it until it detaches cleanly at the base.
- 2 Hold the leaf only at the base and allow it to callus for 2–3 days in a ventilated spot.
- 3 Lay the leaf horizontally on dry mineral substrate; its elongated shape keeps it stable on its own.
- 4 Lightly mist the substrate every 6–8 days; roots and plantlets will appear at the base in 4–6 weeks.
- 5 Transplant plantlets when they reach 1–2 cm using tweezers to avoid damaging the pruina.
- 1 Cut a 5–8 cm stem with apical rosette using sterilized scissors.
- 2 Remove lower elongated leaves by holding only their base; set aside for additional propagation.
- 3 Callus the cut for 3–5 days and plant in dry mineral substrate.
- 4 Water for the first time after 7 days; it will be rooted in 3–6 weeks.
Never touch the pruina/farina; handle leaves and stems at their base only. Fingerprints permanently damage the coating.
Touching the leaves directly with fingers and removing the protective pruina.
Every 2–3 years in spring in a shallow terracotta pot slightly larger than the rosette diameter.
Once a month in spring and summer with cactus fertilizer at half dose. No fertilization in autumn-winter.
Uses & Applications
Precautions / Toxicity
No known toxicity for humans or pets; considered safe.
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"P. hookeri was originally described by William Jackson Hooker (not Joseph D. Hooker as often incorrectly cited), who illustrated it in Curtis's Botanical Magazine in 1845. Its stress-induced pink tones make it a popular candidate for hybridization with Echeveria (×Pachyveria)."
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Scientific Integrity
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Sources
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Discussion
Disclaimer
This species record is provided for educational and informational purposes only. Jardín Roca Negra does not guarantee the accuracy or completeness of the data. Content is community-curated and may be subject to revision; it should not replace advice from a qualified botanist. This species may be toxic, invasive, or subject to legal restrictions — verify before handling or cultivating. Jardín Roca Negra accepts no liability for any harm arising from reliance on this information. Images are reproduced under Creative Commons or equivalent free licenses; credits are noted below each image.