Scientific Name
Conophytum minutum (Haw.) N.E.Br.
Common Name(s)
Lesser Dumpling, Mini Buttons
Synonym(s)
Conophytum minutum var. minutum, Mesembryanthemum minutum
Scientific Classification
Family: Aizoaceae
Subfamily: Ruschioideae
Tribe: Ruschieae
Genus: Conophytum
Etymology
The specific epithet "minutum (pronounced min-YOO-tum)" means "very small, little, minute" and refers to the size of the body of this species.
Origin
Conophytum minutum is native to South Africa (Western Cape). It grows on quartz gravel flats, gneiss, or limestone ridges.
Description
Conophytum minutum is a dwarf succulent that grows in a cluster of many bodies that consist of two thick, fleshy, almost entirely fused leaves. It offsets readily, forming a mound that can reach a diameter of 12 inches (30 cm). The bodies are inversely conical and usually about 0.5 inches (1.3 cm) tall and 0.4 inches (1 cm) in diameter. They are smooth, grey-green, bluish-green, or rarely purple and have scattered dark spots.
The flowers are diurnal, magenta to pink, sometimes white, and appear in the fall. The fruits are capsules with 4 or 5 locules.
How to Grow and Care for Conophytum minutum
Light: This succulent needs bright light but does not like too much direct sun. To avoid sunburn, place your C. minutum 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. minutum 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.
Hardiness: High temperatures are not a problem, but the plant can be damaged when the temperature goes below freezing. C. minutum can withstand temperatures as low as 30 to 50 °F (-1.1 to 10 °C), USDA hardiness zones 10a to 11b.
Watering: When dormant in the spring, C. minutum 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. During active growth, your plant needs water if the leaves start to wrinkle.
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. minutum 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: Like all Conophytums, this plant is easily propagated by division. It can also be grown from seeds. The best time to divide C. minutum is in late summer or early fall, before it begins to break dormancy or after it has flowered. Sow the seeds in the fall in a pot with a well-drained soil mix.
Learn more at How to Grow and Care for Conophytum.
Toxicity of Conophytum minutum
C. minutum 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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