Scientific Name
Conophytum brunneum S.A.Hammer
Scientific Classification
Family: Aizoaceae
Subfamily: Ruschioideae
Tribe: Ruschieae
Genus: Conophytum
Etymology
The specific epithet "brunneum (BROO-nee-um)" means "brown" and refers to the color of the bodies.
Origin
Conophytum brunneum is native to South Africa (near Nuwerus, Western Cape). It occurs in scattered clumps on partially shaded west-facing quartzitic or sandstone slopes.
Description
Conophytum brunneum is a dwarf succulent with cylindrical bodies that consists of two thick, fleshy, almost entirely fused leaves. It usually grows in clusters of many bodies, forming a compact dome that can reach up to 12 inches (30 cm) in diameter. The bodies are convex at the apex and can grow up to 0.6 inches (1.5 cm) long and up to 0.4 inches (1 cm) in diameter. They are shiny, usually brown, rarely green, spotless, and finely rippled.
The flowers are diurnal, purple, and appear in fall. The fruits are dark brown and shed alongside the plant.
How to Grow and Care for Conophytum brunneum
Light: This succulent needs bright light but does not like too much direct sun. To avoid sunburn, place your C. brunneum in a position to receive a few hours of full sun in cooler periods of the day. The plant stretches if it needs more light.
Soil: C. brunneum thrives best in porous soil mixes that allow water to drain away quickly. Use a commercial potting mix specially designed for growing succulents, or make your own.
Hardiness: High temperatures are not a problem, but this plant can be damaged when the temperature goes below freezing. C. brunneum can withstand temperatures as low as 30 to 50 °F (-1.1 to 10 °C), USDA hardiness zones 10a to 11b.
Watering: When dormant in the spring, C. brunneum requires little or no water. When it begins growing in the fall, it is safe to water deeply, allowing the soil to dry before watering again. During active growth, your plant needs water if the leaves start to wrinkle.
Fertilizing: This small succulent is a light feeder and does not need fertilizer if repotted every two years.
Repotting: The best time to repot C. brunneum is at the beginning of the period of active growth, but repotting can be done at almost any time while the plant is actively growing.
Propagation: Like all Conophytums, this plant is easily propagated by division. It can also be grown from seeds. The best time to divide C. brunneum is in late summer or early fall before it begins to break dormancy or after it has flowered. Sow the seeds in fall in a pot with a well-drained soil mix.
Learn more at How to Grow and Care for Conophytum.
Toxicity of Conophytum brunneum
C. brunneum is non-toxic and safe to grow around children and pets.
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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