Scientific Name
Conophytum bilobum (Marloth) N. E. Br.
Synonym(s)
Derenbergia biloba, Mesembryanthemum bilobum
Common Name(s)
Living Pebble, Two-lobed Cone Plant
Scientific Classification
Family: Aizoaceae
Subfamily: Ruschioideae
Tribe: Ruschieae
Genus: Conophytum
Etymology
The specific epithet "bilobum" (pronounced "bi-LOW-bum") means "bilobate; two-lobed" and refers to this species' two-lobed bodies.
Description
Conophytum bilobum is a small succulent with bodies of two opposite, only partly fused leaves, heart-shaped to rabbit-eared in side view, with keeled or rounded tips. The bodies can grow up to 3 inches (7 cm) tall and 1.2 inches (3 cm) wide. The leaves are smooth or shortly papillate, yellowish-green to glaucous or pinkish to reddish, often with darker green dots, red keels, and a fissure zone flanked by windowed patches.
The flowers are diurnal, yellow, rarely orange, pinkish, or white, and can reach a diameter of 1 inch (2.5 cm). They usually appear in the fall.
Origin
The native range of Conophytum bilobum extends from the lower valleys of the Orange River and Bushmanland to near Bitterfontein in South Africa.
Subspecies and Forms of Conophytum bilobum
- Conophytum bilobum subsp. altum
- Conophytum bilobum subsp. bilobum
- Conophytum bilobum subsp. claviferens
- Conophytum bilobum subsp. gracilistylum
- Conophytum cordatum (not accepted as a separate species and is treated as a synonym of Conophytum bilobum subsp. bilobum)
How to Grow and Care for Conophytum bilobum
Hardiness: USDA hardiness zones 10b to 11b: from 35°F (1.7°C) to 50°F (10°C).
Most Conophytums need bright light but should avoid intense sunlight. To prevent sunburn, place them where they get a few hours of full sun during cooler parts of the day.
These plants thrive best in a porous growing medium that will drain quickly. Use 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. When plants begin growing in the fall, you can water deeply, letting the soil dry before watering again.
Conophytums are light feeders and do not need fertilizer if repotted every two years. Feed at the beginning of the growth period and again just before flowering.
These succulents will benefit from repotting. Depending on the pot size and growth rate, they typically need repotting every 2 to 4 years. The best time to repot a Conophytum is at the beginning of the growing season.
Conophytums are easily propagated by division. You can also grow them from seeds.
Learn more at How to Grow and Care for Conophytum.
Links
- Back to genus Conophytum
- Succupedia: Browse succulents by Scientific Name, Common Name, Genus, Family, USDA Hardiness Zone, Origin, or cacti by Genus
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