How to Grow Conophytum - Planting & Caring

By Sharon & Team   /   Succulents Category   /   2023

Conophytum, also known as the Living Stones plant, is a slow-growing succulent that originates from South Africa. The plant gets its name from its thick, fleshy leaves that resemble stones or rocks. The Living Stones plant is a low-maintenance succulent that is perfect for beginning gardeners. With its unique appearance, the Conophytum makes a great addition to any succulent collection.

How to Grow Conophytum - Planting & Caring

Growing Easiness

Is it easy to grow Conophytum plant? Unless you want to grow conophytums from seed, they are relatively easy to grow, and will reward you with years of faithful service and an ever-changing display. They do best in a bright, sunny spot but will also do quite well in partial shade. They like a well-drained, sandy soil and a position in which they will not become waterlogged in winter.

Plant Size

How big can it be? Eventually, most Conophytums will reach a size of 20-25 centimeters in height, with some species getting up to 40 cm in diameter. The size of the plant will also be determined by the size of the pot in which it is planted. If a Conophytum is planted in a small pot, its growth will be stunted, and it will never reach its full potential size.

Growth Rate

How fast is the growth? If given the right conditions, these small South African plants can grow up to a few centimeters per year. The plants are happiest when they're grown in sandy, well-drained soil in a sunny spot. They can tolerate some shade, but not too much.

Conophytum Basic Knowledge

Plant Form Succulent
Family Aizoaceae
Origin South Africa, Namibia

Lifespan, Perennial or Annuals

How long is the lifespan? known as "living stones," the Conophytum is a slow-growing, low-maintenance succulent that can live for many years with the proper care. These unusual plants are native to the semi-desert regions of South Africa and Namibia, where they grow in rocky, sandy soils. Conophytums are small, round succulents that vary in color from green to brown, red, or purple. They have thick, fleshy leaves that store water, allowing the plant to survive in dry conditions.

Ideal Temperature

What is the ideal temperature? While the Conophytum plant can tolerate high temperatures, it is recommended to keep the room it is in at a minimum of 44.6 to 50 degrees Fahrenheit in the winter.

Humidity

What about the humidity? The Conophytum plant does not do well in high humidity. The plant prefers a dry climate and does not tolerate high humidity well. The plant does best in a well-ventilated area with low humidity.

Light Requirement

What amount of light this plant needed? Although the plant does best with bright sun and some direct sunlight (at least 4 hours a day), it can also tolerate scattered light conditions. If the plant is grown under artificial lighting, it is best to use a south-facing window. In the shade, the plant does not bloom and growth stops.

Soil Composition

What is good soil for Conophytum? Unless you want to grow your Conophytum in pure sand, which is not really necessary, you should mix your own potting soil. A good conophytum potting soil recipe is: 1 part peat, 1 part coarse sand or perlite, and 1 part leaf mold or humus. This should be mixed together and then allowed to dry before use. If you cannot find leaf mold, then you can use finely shredded bark, but avoid using peat moss or potting soil that contains fertilizer.

Watering Time

How much I must water Conophytum? Common ly known as the living stone plant, Conophytum is a small, succulent plant that is native to South Africa. The plant is easy to grow and is available in a variety of colors, including pink, yellow, white, and purple. The plant is drought-tolerant and does not require much water. When watering Conophytum, it is important to know that the plant goes through a period of dormancy in the winter. During this time, the plant does not need to be watered as often. In the spring and summer, when the plant is actively growing, it should be watered about once a week.

Fertilizing and Nutritient

About fertilizer. Common ly, people will feed their Conophytum plants during the growth period which is during late summer to autumn. It is best to use a weak solution that is diluted 4-6 times and feed the plant every 4 weeks. The Conophytum plant doesn't need a lot of mineral substances so there is no need to overdo it with the fertilizer. Also, during the rest period, there is no need to feed the plant. After you transplant the Conophytum plant, it is best not to feed it for 2 years.

Reproduction

How to reproduce Conophytum? known that this can be done by seed, but it is difficult. The seeds are sown with a piece of paper because they are so small. They need a container with a loose porous soil mixture that drains well. It is better to top the seed with a little sand so it is barely covered. Water regularly and carefully so the seeds do not surface. Too much moisture will make the seeds rot. After 3-4 weeks, tiny reddish seedlings appear. Then watering is reduced. The great danger at this time is the possible decay of the sprouts with excessive watering. After 3-4 months, the first adult leaves appear. They soon wrinkle but give rise to new ones. The sprouts should not be planted for about 2 years because they are very sensitive to transplant. Flowering can occur after 1-2 years. The plant multiplies by dividing plants when transplanted into 3-4 parts. The division is produced either at the end of the summer or during the flowering period. It is desirable that each piece has several pairs of leaves, although the plant can be obtained from a single pair of leaves to the roots.

Bloom

Why Conophytum won't bloom? The plant blooms with yellow, purple, pink, white flowers, mainly at the end of summer – in the autumn, sometimes in winter. In early summer, the plant is at rest.

Transfer or Repotting

How much I must water Conophytum? Common Conophytum live in the sun-baked slopes of the southern part of the African continent. They are small succulents, the diameter of the pot should not be more than 5-10 cm. The depth of the pot is about 10 cm. The best time to transplant is when new young ones start to form from dry leaves.

Caring The Conophytum

How to care the plant? Common ly called Living Stones, these slow-growing, drought-tolerant succulents are native to South Africa and Namibia. Conophytum are small, round, and have fleshy leaves that resemble stones or pebbles. They range in color from green to brown, and some varieties have patterns or stripes. The plants bloom in late summer or fall, producing small, yellow flowers.

Pests & Challenges

What is the challenge when caring Conophytum plant? The succulent is popular among collectors due to its strange shape. The leaves of the plant are often compared to the head of a cone or a stone. The plant is unpretentious and can grow both in the sun and in the shade. Conophytum is a succulent that is native to South Africa. The plant is part of the Aizoaceae family.

Toxic & Poisonous Type

Are Conophytum poisonous? Eventually, the entire plant will turn black and die. The Conophytum plant is a beautiful, but deadly, succulent. The plant is native to South Africa and is related to the Lithops plant. The Conophytum plant is toxic to humans and animals. If ingested, the plant will cause vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain. If the plant is touched, it will cause a burning sensation and redness. If the plant is inhaled, it will cause coughing and difficulty breathing. The plant will eventually turn black and die if it is not removed from the area.