Scientific Name
Conophytum tantillum N.E.Br.
Synonym(s)
Conophytum tantillum subsp. tantillum
Scientific Classification
Family: Aizoaceae
Subfamily: Ruschioideae
Tribe: Ruschieae
Genus: Conophytum
Origin
Conophytum tantillum is native to South Africa (Northern Cape).
Description
Conophytum tantillum is a small succulent that forms dense clusters of two-lobed bodies that can grow up to 0.4 inches (1 cm) tall and wide. The bodies are greyish-green, yellowish-green, or reddish with dark green or red dots.
The daisy-like flowers, usually pinkish, and appear in the fall. The fruits are 4- to 5-locular capsules.
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 drains quickly. You can use commercial succulent soil specially designed for 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. However, they should be fed 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 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.
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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