Conophytum herreanthus subsp. rex

Scientific Name

Conophytum herreanthus subsp. rex S.A. Hammer

Scientific Classification

Family: Aizoaceae
Subfamily: Ruschioideae
Tribe: Ruschieae
Genus: Conophytum

Description

Conophytum herreanthus subsp. rex is a succulent that forms a clump of short bodies of fleshy paired leaves. Leaves are smooth, pale grey to bluish-green, and up to 1.6 inches (4 cm) long. The angular leaves point up their triangular inner surfaces, facing the other member of the leaf pair in a V-shape. Some leaf tips and keels are slightly rosy. There are sparsely scattered, faint dark spots along the grey surfaces. Diurnal flowers are white to rose pink, up to 1.2 inches (3 cm) in diameter, and appear in late fall.

Hardiness

USDA hardiness zones 10a to 11b: from 30 °F (−1.1 °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 they do not need fertilizer unless 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. They typically need to be repotted every 2 to 4 years, depending on the pot's size and growth rate. 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

Native to South Africa (Northern Cape).