Scientific Name
Conophytum maughanii N.E.Br.
Synonym(s)
Conophytum maughanii subsp. maughanii, Ophthalmophyllum maughanii
Scientific Classification
Family: Aizoaceae
Subfamily: Ruschioideae
Tribe: Ruschieae
Genus: Conophytum
Etymology
The specific epithet "maughanii (maw-GAHN-ee-eye)" honors Dr. Herbert Maughan Brown (1883-1940), a physician and plant collector in South Africa.
Origin
Conophytum maughanii is native to South Africa (Northern Cape).
Description
Conophytum maughanii is a dwarf succulent with two thick fleshy leaves almost entirely fused into a soft globose to short cylindrical body. It can grow solitary or form a small cluster. The bodies can reach up to 0.6 inches (1.5 cm) in height and 0.8 inches (2 cm) in diameter. They are pale green to pale orange, always at least patchily translucent at the apex, and turn purple-red as dormancy approaches in late winter.
The flowers are nocturnal, highly scented, and appear in late summer and fall. They are white, creamy, or slightly pink.
How to Grow and Care for Conophytum maughanii
Light: 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.
Soil: These plants thrive best in a porous growing medium that will drain quickly. Use commercial soil specially designed for growing succulents, or make your own mix.
Hardiness: Conophytum maughanii can withstand temperatures as low as 35 to 50 °F (1.7 to 10 °C), USDA hardiness zones 10b to 11b.
Watering: 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.
Fertilizing: Conophytums are light feeders and do not need fertilizer if it is repotted every two years.
Repotting: These succulents will benefit from repotting. The best time to repot a Conophytum is at the beginning of active growth.
Propagation: Conophytums are easily propagated by division. They can also be grown from seeds.
Learn more at How to Grow and Care for Conophytum.
Toxicity of Conophytum maughanii
Conophytums are 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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