Scientific Name
Conophytum wettsteinii (Berger) N.E.Br.
Common Name(s)
Cone Plants, Dumplings, Button Plants
Synonym(s)
Mesembryanthemum wettsteinii
Scientific Classification
Family: Aizoaceae
Subfamily: Ruschioideae
Tribe: Ruschieae
Genus: Conophytum
Etimology
The specific epithet "wettsteinii" (pronounced "wet-STY-nee-eye") honors Richard Wettstein (1863-1931), an Austrian botanist.
Origin
Conophytum wettsteinii is native to South Africa.
Description
Conophytum wettsteinii is a small succulent that has bodies with a broad top and a narrowed base. The bodies are circular when viewed from above, measuring up to 1 inch (2.5 cm) in diameter, with a fissure up to 0.15 inches (0.4 cm) long. They have a smooth, spotted epidermis that varies in color from green to blue-green.
The scentless flowers range from magenta to pale pink or rarely white. They appear in the fall, opening during the day.
Subspecies of Conophytum wettsteinii
- Conophytum wettsteinii subsp. fragile
- Conophytum wettsteinii subsp. ruschii
- Conophytum wettsteinii subsp. wettsteinii
How to Grow and Care for Conophytum wettsteinii
Hardiness: USDA hardiness zones 10a to 11b: from 30°F (-1.1°C) to 50°F (10°C).
Most Conophytums need bright light but do not like too much intense sunlight. To avoid sunburn, place them in a position that receives a few hours of full sun during cooler parts of the day.
These plants thrive best in a porous, well-draining growing medium. Use a 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 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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