Introduction

Conophytums grow in western South Africa and southwestern Namibia. This region has a Mediterranean climate with winter rainfall and dry summers. Therefore, Conophytums in the wild grow in winter, and this characteristic is retained in cultivation.

Their cultivation is significantly different from cacti. It is recommended to grow them separately from cacti in the greenhouse, alongside other winter-growing plants (such as Cheiridopsis, Tylecodon, Bulbine, etc.).

Please note: This guide is based on the author’s experience in Northern Europe (UK). Adjustments will be necessary for different climates.

Watering

1. Summer Dormancy: Conophytums are dormant in summer. During this period, old leaves dry up and form a papery sheath to protect the new leaves.
2. Resuming Watering (Late July): Resume watering at the end of July. Initially, they need a relatively large amount of water – about once a week, depending on the weather. During this time, new leaves grow rapidly, breaking through the old sheaths, and most species also flower.
3. Autumn to Winter: As autumn arrives and temperatures cool, gradually reduce watering frequency. By December and January, water only every 3 to 4 weeks. Whether to increase frequency depends on light conditions: you can water a bit more if there is plenty of sunshine, and reduce it during prolonged overcast periods.
4. “Indicator Plant” Trick: Some species (such as Conophytum bilobum – “pigeon egg”) wrinkle noticeably when thirsty. They can serve as an indicator for whether the entire batch of plants needs water.
5. Late Winter to Spring: Around mid-February, conditions begin to improve; gradually increase watering frequency as new leaves are forming inside the plants. Stop watering in early April, allowing the plants to enter dormancy.
6. Summer Management: The author gives no water at all in summer. However, some growers give a light misting to small-headed species.
   • Important Warning: Misting or spraying in summer can cause tannins to leach from the sheaths, leading to discoloration of the new heads.
7. Fertilizing: The author prefers to grow mesembs compact and firm, so fertilizes much less than cacti. Apply a low-nitrogen liquid fertilizer (e.g., Chempak 8) once in early spring to support new leaf growth. If the plants have not been repotted, a second application can be given in autumn.

Light

• Growing Season Needs: Many Conophytums are prized for their rich body colors, which require high light levels during the growing season. Place the plants in the brightest spot in the greenhouse during winter.
• Winter Challenge: Despite this, winter light in the UK is still insufficient, and plants may turn green and soft.
• Summer Risks & Solutions: In early May, rising temperatures and intense sunlight can easily scorch the plants – one of the most common cultivation problems. Often, growers only realize in autumn, when the plants resume growth, that the south-facing heads have died.
  • Author’s Solution: In April, paint the greenhouse glass with white shade paint; remove it in September. For smaller collections, simply move the plants to a shaded area of the greenhouse during summer.

Temperature

• Cold Hardiness: In the wild, some high-altitude species can tolerate frost and snow, but these regions have much lower humidity than the UK.
• Cultivation Advice: In the UK, you can try growing some species (e.g., the Kamiesberg Conophytum pellucidum, which does well at Wisley Alpine House) in an unheated greenhouse, but generally, a frost-free environment is recommended.
• Specific Guidance: The author’s greenhouse does not drop below 30°F (approximately -1°C) in winter. In summer, good ventilation is essential, and temperatures should be kept ideally below 40°C.

Pots and Growing Medium

• Pot Choice: The author consistently uses plastic pots, as small terracotta pots dry out too quickly. For pots over 9cm in diameter, use shallow pans rather than deep pots, because Conophytums are mostly shallow-rooted. Very small plants are best grown several to a pot to avoid wasting medium.
• Standard Mix (Author’s Recipe): A mix of equal parts John Innes No. 2 (sterilized loam-based compost) and 4mm quartz sand. In essence, any loam-based, well-draining mix will work.
• Repotting: Ideally, repot every two years, but the author has had healthy plants that went many years without repotting. The best time is early in the growing season, particularly July to August, at the start of growth. However, repotting can be done at any time during the growing season. In practice, roots establish more easily in winter than in autumn.

Pests and Diseases

• Main Pest: This genus has relatively few pests and diseases, though root mealybugs can appear. As a preventive measure, water once in autumn with a systemic insecticide containing imidacloprid.
• Thrips: Western flower thrips are often found in flowers but are generally harmless. A contact insecticide applied during the growing season offers some control.
• Other Pests: Snails and leaf-roller caterpillars may nibble on plants; they are best caught by night patrol.
• Hygiene: Remove old sheaths to improve plant hygiene and appearance. After new heads emerge, peel away any remaining old leaves. Uncleaned dead flowers can encourage Botrytis (grey mould).

Propagation by Cuttings

• Why Propagate: Plants older than 15 years tend to lose vigor and benefit from division. You can also take offsets from the edge of a clump to propagate desirable individuals.
• Procedure: Usually, unpot the entire plant for division.
• Best Timing: September to October, after the leaves have fully developed in autumn, is ideal. However, the author has also had success in February.
• Cutting Requirements: Use cuttings of one or two heads with 1-2mm of stem attached.
• Rooting Method: No need for callusing, bottom heat, or a propagator. Insert directly into a suitable mix.
  • Recommended Mix: 2 parts John Innes No. 2 + 1 part 4mm quartz sand + 1 part perlite.
• Aftercare: Place in the greenhouse, manage together with other Conophytums, and water normally. Roots usually form within 1-2 months.

Seed Propagation

• Seed Sources: Recommended sources include Mesa Garden in New Mexico, USA, and the Mesemb Study Group in the UK.
• Producing Your Own Seed: Usually requires two different clones to avoid inbreeding. Isolate flowers and hand-pollinate using a tool (the author uses the tip of a human hair; others use cat whiskers, cactus spines, or shade netting fibers). After flowering finishes, return plants to the bench. Seed capsules take a long time to mature – the author harvests them in August of the following year.
• Sowing Time:
  • Wild Pattern: Seeds germinate in autumn when temperatures drop and rains arrive.
  • Regional Recommendations: Autumn sowing works well in climates like California, Greece, or Spain. However, autumn sowing in the UK risks fungal attack, so the author compromises by sowing in January.
• Seedling Mix: 2 parts John Innes seed compost + 1 part 1mm quartz sand + 1 part perlite.
• Sowing Operation: Sow seeds on the surface. Sow 20–40 seeds in a 5cm pot, or 100 seeds in a 7cm pot. The author does not sterilize the mix or use fungicides.
• Germination Conditions: Germination temperature should not be too high: 15–20°C by day and 5–10°C at night. Use a low-wattage heat mat in a windowsill or greenhouse. Keep the mix moist; germination occurs within 1–2 weeks. Provide ventilation after germination.
• Seedling Care: Keep seedlings moist for a continuous 15-month period. To avoid summer heat, strong shade and cooling are essential. Cotyledons usually dry up in summer, after which true leaves appear.
• Subsequent Growth: The author moves seedlings to plug trays in November. Most plants can flower for the first time 21 months after sowing. Seedlings are fertilized more frequently than adult plants to promote rapid growth.

Nomenclature

Conophytums exhibit significant variation within species, and growers may wish to recognize superior variants. Some older Latin names (discarded by conservative botanists) are sometimes used informally as labels, often shown in single quotation marks.

Example: Conophytum ectypum ‘ tischleri ‘ indicates a yellow-flowered variant, whereas the typical Conophytum ectypum usually has pink flowers. The locality on a label also helps with identification: the ‘ tischleri ‘ from Aribies is pure green-bodied, while the one from Eselsfontein has dark networked markings on its surface.

Quick Summary: Conophytums are South African winter-growers. They require active watering in autumn-winter, strict water withholding during summer dormancy, and a sharp, well-draining soil mix (40% coarse grit, 40% fine grit, 20% organic).

Prologue: Discovering the Beauty of Conophytum

Perhaps it is the first ray of morning sunlight falling upon them, or maybe the moment water flows over their bodies—Conophytum plants decorate our lives with their dazzling colors and warm presence. When we are fortunate enough to step into this mist-filled garden, we seem to feel a subtle and intoxicating warmth. Sunlight, air, time—everything slows down. Their warmth is both nature’s heat and the miracle of life.

1. What is a Conophytum? (What’s Cono?)

• Name Origin: The Latin genus name Conophytum means “cone-shaped plant,” making the Chinese name “肉锥” (ròu zhuī, “fleshy cone”) very fitting. Enthusiasts often shorten it to “肉锥” or affectionately call them “little cones.” In English communication, they are commonly abbreviated as “cono” (singular) and “conos” (plural).
• Scientific Name Abbreviation: The genus is abbreviated as “C.” in Latin names. For example, Conophytum ratum (also known as “Ladeng” in Chinese) can be written as C. ratum. Botanical names are typically italicized, and the genus name is either capitalized or written entirely in uppercase.
• Native Habitat & Habits: Conophytums grow only in the Mediterranean climate zones of South Africa and southern Namibia, characterized by winter rainfall and hot, dry summers. In their natural habitat, they can survive droughts even in winter by relying on moisture from fog, mist, and morning dew. They grow on open desert plains, in rock crevices, in sandy depressions, and on mountaintops.
• Morphology & Species: They consist of a pair of fused leaves (often called heads or bodies). In most cases, they multiply by splitting and form clusters over time. Most Conophytums flower in autumn, but a few bloom in winter (e.g., Conophytum bruynsii, “Dinosaur Egg”) or late spring to early summer (e.g., Conophytum bachelorum, “Gold Coin Button,” “Cross Button”). Their sizes, shapes, and patterns vary greatly. The genus includes over 100 distinct species, and nearly 200 if subspecies and varieties are counted.
  • (Images of C. bruynsii, C. youngii, and C. bachelorum are included in the original article with their scientific names.)

2. Growth Cycle of Conophytums (Respecting Plant Characteristics)

Understanding the specific growth cycles and habits of Conophytums is key to successful cultivation.

• Growing Season (Autumn–Winter): During this period, Conophytums actively grow new leaves and require more water. After watering, they plump up and feel firm to the touch. The plants will tell you they need water by wrinkling or becoming soft.
• Dormancy (Late Spring–Summer): This is their survival strategy in their native habitat. Old leaves wrinkle and change color to withstand intense heat and sun, indicating the onset of dormancy. During dormancy, they require very little or no water. This is because Conophytums are “short-day” plants—they need plenty of water during their growing season but very little during dormancy.
• Critical Reminder: A common mistake is watering plants too early before summer ends. Some species (e.g., Conophytum cubicum, Conophytum hians) shed their old sheaths earlier than others, but this does not mean they should be watered earlier. During dormancy, new leaves are quite happy inside their dry sheaths. Wait until the days become shorter and cooler, and the new leaves will usually emerge on their own when they are ready to receive water.

3. How to Grow Conophytums (Finding What Works for You)

• Environment & Light: Conophytums are adaptable and can thrive in greenhouses, on windowsills, or under indoor grow lights. Your local climate and personal micro-environment will affect the timing of growth, dormancy, and flowering, but the yearly cycle remains consistent. They need good light, especially during autumn–winter growth. In summer, if grown in natural sunlight, shade is essential—they can be scorched within hours if it’s too hot and sunny. Using a fan for air circulation helps lower leaf surface temperatures. Take measures to warm or cool plants when temperatures drop below 0°C or exceed 40°C. Growing under lights offers better control over light and temperature than natural sunlight.
• Soil Mix (Author’s Experience, for Reference): Soil composition is a topic of much debate, as it depends on your climate, environment, and personal watering habits. The key is balancing water retention, aeration/drainage, and stability. The right mix is what works for you.
  • Author’s Mix (Used for balcony growing under lights in Zhengzhou, Henan):
    • 40%: 3–6 mm granular materials (for aeration and stability)
    • 40%: 1–3 mm granular materials (for stability and water retention)
    • 20%: Peat moss and rice husk charcoal (within 5% for organic matter and short-term water retention)
    • Additionally: Slow-release fertilizer and systemic insecticide (e.g., “Xiaobaiyao”) are mixed in.
  • Recommended Granular Materials: Lava rock, diatomite, pumice, and kanuma soil.
• Pots: Choose pots with good drainage that are convenient and durable. There is no need for overly large or deep pots—in nature, Conophytums often grow in shallow depressions where water floods briefly during rain and then dries quickly. Standard plastic pots (like square nursery pots) or ceramic pots are both fine.

4. Sowing Conophytum Seeds (A Joyful Endeavor)

• Sowing Time: The best time is autumn, followed by winter. The optimal temperature for germination and seedling growth is 10–20°C. Higher temperatures can reduce germination rates and increase seedling mortality (“melting”).
• Sowing Soil: Use granular materials smaller than 3 mm, as larger particles can hinder root establishment and cause stunted growth. A mix of 50–60% peat moss with small-grained materials is recommended. Add systemic insecticides (like “Xiaobaiyao” or “Xiaoziyao”) to prevent pests.
• Sowing Containers: Use disposable food containers (with holes poked in the bottom and lid for drainage and ventilation) or 7–10 cm square pots. Containers should be at least 7 cm deep, filled with 5–6 cm of soil (do not compact). The soil will settle naturally after bottom-watering, usually sinking by about 1 cm.
• Sowing Steps:
  1. Sterilize the prepared soil by soaking the pot in a potassium permanganate solution for 1 hour (or microwaving the moist soil for 5–10 minutes—exercise caution when using this method).
  2. Sow the seeds (most are about 0.5 mm in size).
  3. Seal the container (e.g., with a lid or plastic wrap). Seeds usually start germinating in about a week.
  4. After germination, water by bottom-soaking when the soil surface dries out, maintaining humidity and ventilation. Due to the tiny size of seedlings, avoid top-watering.
• Seedling Care: Keep the soil moist (but not waterlogged) during the first year. After the seedlings undergo their first shedding (exfoliation), allow the soil to dry for about a day before watering again. After one year, they can be treated as mature plants.

5. Propagation by Division (Doubling the Joy)

Division is a faster way to obtain new plants than sowing. As Conophytums age and form large clusters, they can be divided into smaller clumps of 1–4 heads for replanting—great for sharing with friends or selling online.

• Procedure: Cut below the heads, leaving 2–3 mm of hard, dry stem. Do not cut into the soft leaf tissue.
• Timing: Autumn is the ideal season for division.
• Rooting: Allow the cut surfaces to dry and callus for 3–7 days before planting in fresh soil. Keep the soil slightly moist and avoid strong direct sunlight until the plants are established (firmly rooted in the pot).

6. Common Pests and Diseases (Use Pesticides with Caution)

• Mealybugs / Root Mealybugs: Use buprofezin as a preventive spray. If root mealybugs are present, drench the soil or soak the pot in a diluted buprofezin solution twice, with a 10-day interval between treatments.
• Thrips: More troublesome, thrips feed on flowers and new leaf growth. They have strong pesticide resistance. Emamectin benzoate is a recommended insecticide for controlling thrips.
• Fungus Gnats (on seedlings): Fungus gnat larvae develop in moist soil and feed on young seedlings. Imidacloprid is usually effective; for severe infestations, use acetamiprid.
• Damping-off / Rot (on seedlings): A fungal disease that occurs when soil is too wet and ventilation is poor. Affected seedlings turn whitish, then translucent, and eventually die. Remove dead seedlings promptly to prevent fungal spread and improve ventilation.
• General Prevention: Apply systemic granular insecticides (e.g., “Xiaobaiyao”) in early spring and early autumn. Also, be mindful of snails, caterpillars, grasshoppers, birds, rodents, and household pets that may damage the plants.

7. Tips for Buying Conophytums (Avoiding Pitfalls)

• Channels & Risks: Most Conophytums are purchased online (e.g., Taobao, Xianyu, Douyin, Xiaohongshu). Physical flower markets rarely stock them, though some succulent exhibitions may offer them. Beware of sellers who misidentify species, sell unhealthy or chemically treated plants, or misuse popular names and collection numbers to make quick profits.
• Before Buying: Do your research. Check seller reputations on platforms like Baidu Tieba (Succulent Forum) and Xiaohongshu. Join enthusiast groups to see where others buy, what they buy, and seek advice. In short: Observe more, learn more, and buy less impulsively.
• Best Time to Buy: The autumn–winter growing season is ideal. Buying during dormancy may result in poor re-rooting. Consider asking the seller to ship the plant in its pot with soil.
• Recommendation: Growing from seed is highly recommended for the full experience. The article mentions several reputable domestic seed sellers (e.g., Daxiong, Jiangnan, Fire, Shenzi) with a good track record over the years.
• Important Appeal: To protect wild populations and biodiversity, do not purchase wild-collected Conophytum plants.

8. Final Thoughts: Love Them, Don’t Harm Them

With each passing year, new growth and old withering carry the passage of time and the cycle of life. Conophytums, with their unique growth habits, tell stories from the ancient African continent. Through caring for them, we develop a deeper appreciation for life and a respect for nature. In this small yet radiant world, we experience the joy and warmth of integrating life with nature.

(The original article includes a series of photos showing a Conophytum hammeri specimen from April 2023 to May 2024, illustrating its seasonal changes.)

Let us approach Conophytums with reverence and continue exploring their wonders. Tend to them with care, enjoy nature, and let them bring more brilliance into our lives. May we dance together with Conophytums in nature’s rhythm, sensing life’s beauty and meaning.