Conophytum turrigerum

Scientific Name

Conophytum turrigerum (N.E.Br.) N.E.Br.

Synonym(s)

Derenbergia turrigera, Mesembryanthemum turrigerum

Scientific Classification

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

Origin

Conophytum turrigerum is native to South Africa. It grows on granite outcrops from Darling to Paarl in the Western Cape.

Description

Conophytum turrigerum is a dwarf succulent that forms clumps of club-shaped bodies bilobed at the apex, whitish, and usually spotted and lined. The bodies can grow up to 1 inch (2.5 cm) tall.

The diurnal flowers are lilac, pale pink, or white and usually appear in fall or rarely in summer. The fruits are 3- 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 will drain quickly. Use commercial succulent soil specially designed for growing 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. It is best to feed 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 the growing season.

Conophytums are easily propagated by division. They can also be grown from seeds.

Learn more at How to Grow and Care for Conophytum.

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