Scientific Name
Conophytum bilobum (Marloth) N. E. Br.
Common Name(s)
Living Pebble
Synonym(s)
Mesembryanthemum bilobum, Conophytum elishae, Conophytum meyerae, Mesembryanthemum elishae
Scientific Classification
Family: Aizoaceae
Subfamily: Ruschioideae
Tribe: Ruschieae
Genus: Conophytum
Description
Conophytum bilobum is a small stemless succulent with bodies of paired chalky-green leaves dotted with darker green. The bodies grow up to 3 inches (7.5 cm) tall and up to 1.2 inches (3 cm) wide. Leaves are slightly harsh to the touch. The leaf tips are free in profile, triangular, and keeled. The margins and tops of the lobes are green and often with a reddish or deep purple line. Flowers are diurnal, bright yellow to red-orange, up to 1 inch (2.5 cm) in diameter, and appear in fall, rarely in summer.
Hardiness
USDA hardiness zones 10b to 11b: from 35 °F (+1.7 °C) to 50 °F (+10 °C).
How to Grow and Care
Most Conophytums need bright light but do not like too much intense sunlight. Therefore, to avoid sunburn, place them to receive a few hours of full sun in cooler periods of the day.
These plants thrive best in a porous growing medium that will drain quickly. Use a commercial succulent soil specially designed for growing succulents or make your own mix.
When Conophytums go dormant in the spring, they require little or no water. In the fall, when plants will begin growing, it is safe to water deeply, allowing the soil to dry before watering again.
Conophytums are light feeders, and they do not need fertilizer unless they are repotted every two years. Therefore, it is best to feed at the beginning of the growth period and just before flowering.
These succulents will benefit from repotting. Depending on the pot's size and growth rate, they typically need to be repotted every 2 to 4 years. The best time to repot a Conophytum is at the beginning of a period of active growth.
Conophytums are easily propagated by division. They can also be grown from seeds.
Learn more at How to Grow and Care for Conophytum.
Origin
This species is native to the western part of South Africa.
Subspecies and Forms
Links
- Back to genus Conophytum
- Succulentopedia: Browse succulents by Scientific Name, Common Name, Genus, Family, USDA Hardiness Zone, Origin, or cacti by Genus
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