Conophytum

Family. Aizoaceae.

Origin. South Africa.

Description. Conophytums are miniature succulent plants belonging to the group of living stones. Individual specimens consist of short, succulent leaves up to 5 cm high, which are formed in pairs and connected at the base. Flower stalks and a new pair of leaves appear from the middle of the pair. The new pair of leaves feeds on the remains of the old one. Leaf shades include green, light green, gray, purple, bluish with various stripes, dashes and spots. Sometimes the leaves have light pubescence. Flowers are white, yellow, orange, pink or purple, burgundy and even almost black, depending on the species, open day or night, single or in small inflorescences, sometimes fragrant. There are varieties with very attractive heart-shaped leaves.

Height. Not higher than 10 cm.

Temperature conditions

In spring and summer, conophytums prefer warm conditions at a temperature of 23 - 25 ° C. During the winter dormant period, the temperature is reduced to 13 ° C. Do not expose the plant to temperatures below 5 ° C. 

Reproduction

Propagated by seeds or leaf cuttings. The cuttings are cut and dried for a week to prevent them from rotting when planted. Rooting takes 1-2 months. Seeds are sown on the soil surface in spring. Pots with seedlings are placed in a moderately warm place with a temperature of 15-20 ° C, under a cover made of a plastic cap or glass. Germination occurs in 1-2 weeks, after which the cover can be removed. Division of a large colony.

Lighting

A fairly light-loving succulent, which requires shading only on summer days. In the morning and evening, conophytum can receive direct sunlight. In autumn and winter, provide as much light as possible. In autumn and winter, you can use fluorescent lamps for additional lighting.

Flowering time

Depends on the specific species and conditions of detention.

Care

Remove dead flowers promptly.

Soil for succulent

Even moderately nutritious soil with a high content of coarse sand is suitable for growing - approximately in half proportion and with the addition of leaf humus.

Transplantation

Conophytums can remain in the same soil for many years, but it would be better to replant them approximately every two years, at the beginning of the growing season. A shallow but wide pot is suitable for planting. 

Feeding

Feed during the period of active growth with fertilizers for cacti and succulents, with a low nitrogen content. 

Air humidity

Conophytum must be kept in frequently ventilated areas with sufficient air movement. In autumn and winter, instead of watering, you can spray the plant in the morning; the rest of the time it does not need spraying. 

Watering

During the growing season, watering should be moderate. The frequency of watering depends on the ambient temperature and weather conditions. The top layer of soil should dry out between waterings. After flowering, the frequency of watering is gradually reduced, trying not to overdry the soil lump. The need for watering at this time will be indicated by wrinkles appearing on the leaves.

Pests and diseases

Spraying or over-watering causes conophytum leaves to crack, leaving ugly scars on them, and root rot may also develop.

Of the harmful insects, the flower can be threatened by thrips, mealybugs, and spider mites.