Scientific Name
Conophytum turrigerum (N.E.Br.) N.E.Br.
Synonyms
Mesembryanthemum turrigerum (basionym), Derenbergia turrigera
Scientific Classification
Family: Aizoaceae
Subfamily: Ruschioideae
Tribe: Ruschieae
Genus: Conophytum
Description
Conophytum turrigerum is an attractive stemless succulent with paired leaves that are up to 3 inches (7.5 cm) tall and up to 1.2 inches (3 cm) wide. The diurnal flowers are pink to purple, up and to 1.2 inches (3 cm) in diameter, and appear in fall (rarely in summer).
Photo via pinterest.com
Hardiness
USDA hardiness zones 10a to 11b: from 30 °F (−1.1 °C) to 50 °F (+10 °C).
How to Grow and Care
Conophytums are usually grown in dish gardens where they spread slowly but make good ornamental plants for window gardening. They also do well in rockeries where they can be grown in crevices.
These plants vegetate during the winter season. They must then be kept dry during hot, gradually wet upon fall arrival. The moisture stimulates the release of new root hairs, and the plant will grow for the entire winter season, foliar issuing new pairs from inside the existing ones. Flowering usually occurs in the fall, and the color of the flowers is extremely variable from species to species. The cultivation is quite easy, but care must be taken to avoid excess water and to prevent rot. The plants themselves communicate their water needs with a slight wrinkling of the epidermis. They do not particularly fear the cold weather and can also resist temperatures of 23 °F (-5 °C) as long as the soil is completely dry, and the temperature returns rapidly to rise.
Learn more at How to Grow and Care for Conophytum.
Origin
Conophytum turrigerum is native to South Africa.
Links
- Back to genus Conophytum
- Succulentopedia: Browse succulents by Scientific Name, Common Name, Genus, Family, USDA Hardiness Zone, Origin, or cacti by Genus
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