Oophytum oviforme

Scientific Name

Oophytum oviforme (N.E. Br.) N.E. Br.

Synonyms

Mesembryanthemum oviforme (basionym), Conophytum mutatum, Conophytum oviforme, Oophytum nordenstamii

Scientific Classification

Family: Aizoaceae
Genus: Oophytum

Description

Oophytum oviforme is a mesemb succulent which clumps with age and the colors range from green, to orange and purple-brown. The coloring changes with the age of the plant and the seasons. Old plants form clumps with up to 20 egg-shaped bodies, which are up to 0.8 inches (2 cm) tall and up to 1.2 inches (3 cm) in diameter. The white to rose-pink flowers appear in August to September.

How to Grow and Care

The basics of Mesemb care are very simple, with free-draining soil, plenty of sun and ventilation, and regular light watering in the right season. Yet the difficulties are endless, trying to adapt to the mesembs' own adaptability and to follow their growth habits in your particular conditions. Mesembs require a loam-based compost with the addition of extra drainage material such as horticultural grit or perlite. They all like good light conditions and plenty of ventilation. Some are relatively cold-hardy and can even survive mild winters outside. Most will survive temperatures down to freezing point.

There are some Mesembs which begin to grow in the autumn as the temperature drops and the days get shorter. Because different genera within the Mesemb family have different growing conditions, care mast be taken with watering. Some genera will benefit from a light spray water to prevent shrivelling during their dormant period… – See more at: How to Grow and Care for Mesembs.

Origin

Native to South Africa.

Links

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