Pachyphytum compactum is an attractive succulent with short, stout stem up to 6 inches long, that often branch towards the base and hold rosettes with many cylindrical, up to 1.2 inches long, light green to grey-white leaves with heavy white veins and deep purple tips. The inflorescence is up to 1 foot tall. The flowers are pale yellow in the center and the rest of the flower is pinkish orange.