Conophytum

Family Aizoaceae. Native to South Africa. In nature there are about 270 species of leaf succulents that grow in groups in arid regions. A characteristic feature of most conophytums is that their dormancy period occurs from late winter to mid-summer, or from spring and lasts until early autumn.

Conophytums are small plants, generally forming dense but slow-growing colonies. An individual plant consists of a pair of fused leaves. The degree of leaf fusion depends on the species.

Bilobed conophytum - Conophytum bilobum - has a slightly flattened heart-shaped "body", bluish-green in color, about 2.5 cm in diameter. Flowers yellow, up to 3 cm in diameter, appear in late August - September.

Pale conophytum - Conophytum albescens - has a laterally flattened "body" of obovoid shape, formed by fused grayish-green leaves. The "body" is about 2.5-3 cm in diameter. Leaves are covered with very fine whitish pubescence and have a dotted pattern on their upper surface. Flowers yellow.

Obconical conophytum - Conophytum obconellum - has an obconical-shaped "body", about 2 cm in diameter. Leaves covered with fine pubescence and have a dotted pattern on their upper surface. Flowers yellow.

Dwarf conophytum - Conophytum nanum - has a globular "body", only about 7 mm in diameter. Leaves grayish-green. Flowers up to 1 cm in diameter, white, with reddish petal tips.

Friedrich's conophytum - Conophytum fridrichae - has a heart-shaped "body", about 2.5 cm high. Leaves almost completely fused, grayish-green with a semi-translucent surface and dark markings - spots on the upper side. Flowers up to 1 cm in diameter, white, with reddish petal tips.

Temperature: Moderate. In winter during dormancy at 13-14°С, not less than 6°С, not above 15°С, with dry conditions. In summer it's better to keep outdoors or in a well-ventilated room.

Light: Conophytum requires full sunlight, but acclimation to the sun should be gradual so the plant does not get sunburned.

Watering: Moderate during the growing season. Water very carefully; excess water causes the roots to rot quickly. During dormancy watering is stopped completely.

Fertilizer: Conophytum is fertilized only if it has not been repotted. Use fertilizer at half the manufacturer's recommended dose and apply with the watering water once a month. Use a potassium fertilizer (with a small nitrogen content) for feeding.

Air humidity: Conophytum tolerates dry air well; in winter during dormancy keep it in cool conditions with minimal humidity.

Repotting: Conophytums prefer somewhat tight pots, so repotting is usually carried out every 2-3 years. Containers for planting should be wide and shallow with a high layer of drainage. Soil - 1 part leaf mold, 1 part river sand, 1/2 part clay. You can use a commercial potting mix for succulents. After repotting, to avoid root rot, water only after 2 weeks.

Propagation: After the young leaves begin to grow, cut off an individual "body" of the conophytum with a sharp knife. Sprinkle the cut with rooting hormone powder and dry for 2 days. Then place it on the dry surface of the soil in a prepared pot and do not water earlier than after 3 weeks, when young roots have already appeared.

based on materials from the website www.iplants.ru