Scientific Name
Conophytum obcordellum (Haw.) N. E. Br.
Common Name(s)
Dumpling, Greater Dumpling, Spotted Buttons
Synonym(s)
Conophytum obcordellum subsp. obcordellum, Mesembryanthemum obcordellum
Scientific Classification
Family: Aizoaceae
Subfamily: Ruschioideae
Tribe: Ruschieae
Genus: Conophytum
Etymology
The specific epithet "obcordellum (ob-kord-EL-um)" means "small, inversely heart-shaped" and refers to the shape of the bodies.
Origin
Conophytum obcordellum is native to South Africa (Northern Cape and Western Cape).
Description
Conophytum obcordellum is a dwarf succulent that forms clumps of bodies composed of two fused leaves. The bodies can reach up to 1.2 inches (3 cm) in height and up to 0.8 inches (2 cm) in diameter. The upper surface of the bodies is kidney-shaped, pale blue-green, gray-green, or yellow-green and decorated with dark green, red, or almost black lines and dots. Unspotted parts of the bodies are pink to dark red.
The flowers are daisy-like, usually solitary, white, pale yellow, pink, or magenta, often with red tips. They appear at night, generally in the fall. The fruits are 4- to 6-locular capsules.
How to Grow and Care for Conophytum obcordellum
Light: Most Conophytums need bright light but do not like too much intense sunlight. To avoid sunburn, place your C. obcordellum 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. obcordellum thrives best in porous soil mixes that allow the water to penetrate easily and drain away quickly. Use commercial soil specially designed for growing succulents, or make your own mix.
Hardiness: High temperatures are not a problem for Conophytums, but they can be damaged when the temperature goes below 32 °F (0 °C). C. obcordellum 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. If leaves start to wrinkle during active growth, your C. obcordellum needs water.
Fertilizing: Conophytums are light feeders and do not need fertilizer if it is repotted every two years.
Repotting: The best time to repot C. obcordellum 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: Conophytums are easily propagated by division. They can also be grown from seeds. The best time to divide C. obcordellum is in late summer or early fall before the plant begins to break dormancy or after it has flowered. Sow the seeds in fall in a pot with a well-drained soil mix.
Learn more at How to Grow and Care for Conophytum.
Toxicity of Conophytum obcordellum
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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