Scientific Name
Conophytum ectypum N.E.Br.
Synonym(s)
Conophytum ectypum var. ectypum
Scientific Classification
Family: Aizoaceae
Subfamily: Ruschioideae
Tribe: Ruschieae
Genus: Conophytum
Etymology
The specific epithet "ectypum (ek-TY-pum)" means "in relief" and refers to the embossed surface of the bodies.
Origin
Conophytum ectypum is native to South Africa. It occurs in the Northern Cape province in sunny or shaded places on quartz patches and ridges.
Description
Conophytum ectypum is a dwarf succulent that forms a cluster of bodies consisting of two fleshy leaves, almost entirely fused and usually covered in old white skin. The bodies are cylindrical or inverted cone-shaped, truncate to chiseled or sulcate above, measuring up to 1 inch (2.5 cm) long and 0.4 inches (1 cm) in diameter. They are shiny when turgid, green to reddish-brown, with dark green stripes or grooves.
The showy flowers are diurnal, long-tubed, and have pink to white or rarely chrome yellow petals. They appear in the fall. The fruits are 4- to 6-locular capsules.
How to Grow and Care for Conophytum ectypum
Light: This succulent needs bright light but does not like too much direct sun. To avoid sunburn, place your C. ectypum 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. ectypum 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.
Temperature: High temperatures are not a problem, but the plant can be damaged when the temperature goes below freezing. C. ectypum can withstand temperatures as low as 35 °F (1.7 °C). USDA Plant Hardiness Zones 10b to 11b, 35 to 50 °F (1.7 to 10 °C).
Watering: When dormant in the spring, C. ectypum 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. ectypum 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: This species is usually grown from seeds. Like all Conophytums, it is also easily propagated by division. The best time to divide C. ectypum 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 ectypum
C. ectypum 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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