Conophytum pellucidum

Scientific Name

Conophytum pellucidum Schwantes

Synonyms

Mesembryanthemum pellucidum, Conophytum pellucidum subsp. pellucidum, Conophytum pellucidum subsp. sterkstroomense, See all synonyms

Scientific Classification

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

Origin

This species is native to South Africa. It occurs in Steinkopf, Garies, Kamiesberg, and Rooifontein in the Northern Cape province, growing in crevices of gneiss slabs, on quartzite cliffs, slopes, or in rubble.

Description

Conophytum pellucidum is a dwarf succulent with cylindrical bodies of two fused purplish brown to greyish brown leaves with a depressed central fissure. It slowly forms a clump up to 3.2 inches (8 cm) in diameter. The bodies grow up to 0.8 inches (2 cm) tall and up to 0.5 inches (1.2 cm) in diameter. The upper surface often has a mottled pattern of opaque brownish islands or smudges. Flowers are diurnal, long-tubed, with white or pink, rarely magenta petals and filaments forming a yellow to cinnabar ring. They appear in late summer or fall.

Hardiness

USDA hardiness zones 10b to 11b: from 35 °F (+1.7 °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 mix specially designed for growing succulents, or make your own.

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 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.

Subspecies

Conophytum pellucidum subsp. cupreatum