Scientific Name
Conophytum velutinum Schwantes
Synonym(s)
Conophytum velutinum var. velutinum
Scientific Classification
Family: Aizoaceae
Subfamily: Ruschioideae
Tribe: Ruschieae
Genus: Conophytum
Etymology
The specific epithet "velutinum (vel-oo-TEE-num)" means "velvety, velutinous" and refers to the texture of the leaves of this species.
Origin
Conophytum velutinum is native to South Africa (only known from a few hillsides near Komaggas).
Description
Conophytum velutinum is a dwarf succulent with bodies that consist of two thick, fleshy, grayish-green leaves with a velvety texture. It produces many bodies densely clustered in a small mound. The leaves are almost entirely fused and usually have dark green spots. The bodies are heart-shaped in the side view, with keeled or rounded tips, measuring up to 1 inch (205 cm) tall and 0.4 inches (1 cm) in diameter.
The flowers are diurnal, pale purple to magenta, and appear in fall. They can reach up to 1 inch (2.5 cm) in diameter.
Conophytum velutinum is very similar in appearance to Conophytum cordatum.
How to Grow and Care for Conophytum velutinum
Light: This succulent needs bright light but does not like too much direct sun. To avoid sunburn, place your C. velutinum 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. velutinum thrives best in porous soil mixes that allow water to drain away quickly. Use a commercial potting mix specially designed for growing succulents, or make your own.
Hardiness: High temperatures are not a problem for this plant, but it can be damaged when temperatures go below freezing. C. velutinum can withstand temperatures as low as 30 to 50 °F (-1.1 to 10 °C), USDA hardiness zones 10a to 11b.
Watering: C. velutinum requires little or no water when it goes dormant in the spring. When it begins growing in the fall, it is safe to water deeply, allowing the soil to dry before watering again. During active growth, your plant needs water if the leaves start to wrinkle.
Fertilizing: This small succulent is a light feeder and does not need fertilizer if repotted every two years.
Repotting: The best time to repot C. velutinum 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: Like all Conophytums, this plant is easily propagated by division. It can also be grown from seeds. The best time to divide C. velutinum is in late summer or early fall before it 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 velutinum
C. velutinum is 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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