Scientific Name
Conophytum herreanthus subsp. rex S.A. Hammer
Scientific Classification
Family: Aizoaceae
Subfamily: Ruschioideae
Tribe: Ruschieae
Genus: Conophytum
Origin
Conophytum herreanthus subsp. rex is native to South Africa. It occurs in crevices in quartzite outcrops, generally in semi-shade or full sun near Klipbok in Richtersveld in the Northern Cape province.
Description
Conophytum herreanthus subsp. rex is a dwarf succulent that forms a clump of short bodies composed of two thick, fleshy, pale grey or bluish-green to pinkish leaves with faint dark, sparsely scattered spots along the surfaces. The angular leaves point up their triangular inner surfaces, facing the other member of the leaf pair in a V-shape. They can measure up to 1.6 inches (4 cm) long and grow in opposite pairs. Some leaf tips and keels are slightly rosy. This subspecies is said to lack the deeply sunken stomata on the leaves found on Conophytum herreanthus subsp. herreanthus.
The flowers are strongly scented, with pink petals that tend to be white near the base. They can reach a diameter of 1.2 inches (3 cm), appear in late fall, and remain open day and night.
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 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. 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 growing season.
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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