Scientific Name
Conophytum ficiforme (Haw.) N.E.Br.
Common Name(s)
Button Plants
Synonym(s)
Conophytum altile, Conophytum assimile, Conophytum fossulatum, Conophytum odoratum, Conophytum pallidum, Conophytum placitum, Mesembryanthemum altile, Mesembryanthemum assimile, Mesembryanthemum ficiforme, Mesembryanthemum pallidum, Mesembryanthemum placitum
Scientific Classification
Family: Aizoaceae
Subfamily: Ruschioideae
Tribe: Ruschieae
Genus: Conophytum
Description
Conophytum ficiforme is a dwarf succulent that grows in a cluster forming a compact mat or dome. The bodies are grayish-green, fig-shaped with two distinct lobes, up 0.8 inches (2 cm) long and up to 0.6 inches (1.5 cm) thick. They are often flushed with purple and have greenish to reddish dots or lines that surround the fissure and cross the lobes. The long-lasting, highly scented flowers are rose-pink, white to pale yellow, and appear in fall. Fruits are capsules that contain many tiny seeds.
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 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. In the fall, when plants will begin growing, it is safe to water deeply, allowing the soil to dry before watering again.
Conophytums are light feeders and do not need fertilizer at all if they are 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 size of the pot 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 a period of active growth.
Conophytums are easily propagated by division. They can also be grown from seeds.
Learn more at How to Grow and Care for Conophytum.
Origin
Conophytum ficiforme is native to South Africa (Western Cape).
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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