Scientific Name
Conophytum burgeri L.Bolus. Br.
Common Name(s)
Burger's Onion, Little Light Bulbs
Scientific Classification
Family: Aizoaceae
Subfamily: Ruschioideae
Tribe: Ruschieae
Genus: Conophytum
Origin
Conophytum burgeri is native to South Africa. It is restricted to the mines of the Aggeneys Valley in Northern Cape Province, occurring at a small subpopulation numbering fewer than 250 plants.
Description
Conophytum burgeri is a dwarf succulent with two fleshy leaves fussed in an onion-shaped body with a tiny fissure at the top. It can grow up to 1.2 inches (3 cm) tall and 1 inch (2.5 cm) in diameter, solitary or gradually subdividing to slowly form a small clump of up to 5 bodies with age. The body is smooth, shiny, and translucent, varying in color from light green to purple.
The flowers are purple and appear in early fall, opening briefly in the mid-afternoon.
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. To avoid sunburn, place them in a position 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 soil mix specially designed for growing succulents, or make your own.
When Conophytums go dormant in the spring, they require little or no water. When plants begin growing in the fall, it is safe to water deeply, allowing the soil to dry before watering again.
Conophytums are light feeders and do not need fertilizer if repotted every two years. 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 the active growth period.
Conophytums are easily propagated by division. They can also be grown 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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