Scientific Name
Conophytum cordatum Schick & Tisch.
Accepted Scientific Name
Conophytum bilobum (Marloth) N.E.Br.
Common Name(s)
Living Pebble
Scientific Classification
Family: Aizoaceae
Subfamily: Ruschioideae
Tribe: Ruschieae
Genus: Conophytum
Etymology
The specific epithet "cordatum (kor-DAY-tum)" means "heart-shaped; cordate" and refers to the shape of the bodies of this species.
Origin
Conophytum cordatum is not accepted as a separate species and is treated as a synonym of Conophytum bilobum subsp. bilobum. It is native to the western part of South Africa.
Description
Conophytum cordatum is a small succulent with bodies of two thick, fleshy, partly fused leaves. It produces many bodies densely clustered in a small mound. The bodies are heart-shaped to rabbit-eared in side view, with keeled or rounded apices, and can grow up to 2.8 inches (7 cm) tall and 1.2 inches (3 cm) wide. The epidermis is spotted or smooth, varying from yellowish-green, grayish-green, blue-green to pinkish or reddish.
The flowers are scentless, white to light violet at the base, and violet or magenta toward the tips. They are diurnal, usually appear in the fall, and can reach up to 1.2 inches (3 cm) in diameter.
Conophytum cordatum is very similar in appearance to Conophytum velutinum.
How to Grow and Care for Conophytum cordatum
Light: This succulent needs bright light but does not like too much direct sun. To avoid sunburn, place your C. cordatum 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. cordatum 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 for this plant, but it can be damaged when it goes below freezing. C. cordatum can withstand temperatures as low as 30 to 50 °F (-1.1 to 10 °C), USDA hardiness zones 10a to 11b.
Watering: goes dormant in the spring, C. cordatum 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. If leaves start to wrinkle during active growth, your plant needs water.
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. cordatum is at the beginning of the active growth period, 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. cordatum 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 cordatum
C. cordatum 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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