About
Conophytum wettsteinii is a small succulent that features smooth, grey-green leaf pairs fused together, reaching a height of up to 2 cm. This species readily forms clumps by producing offsets. During late summer, it produces pink flowers that can measure up to 2 cm in diameter.
About the genus
Conophytum consists of small, succulent perennials that develop clusters of fleshy structures. Each structure features a pair of thick leaves that are joined at the base. From the central split, single daisy-like flowers emerge. Typically, the leaves will wither after the flowering period.
Growing conditions
- Sunlight
- Full sun
- Soil type
- Loam, Sand
- Soil pH
- Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Well-drained
- Aspect
- East-facing, South-facing, West-facing
- Exposure
- Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H2
Plant details
- Plant type
- Cactus Succulent
- Habit
- Clump forming
- Foliage
- Semi evergreen
- Height
- Up to 10 cm
- Spread
- 0-0.1 metre
- Time to full height
- 2-5 years
- Suggested uses
- Houseplants
- Native to
- S Africa (NW Cape)
Care notes
- Cultivation
- Under glass, grow in a mix of 2 parts loam to 1 part each sharp sand and leaf mould, in full light with low humidity. Water sparingly from late summer to early winter and again in spring; additional fertiliser is not necessary. Conophytums need a dormancy period from late spring till midsummer and should be kept dry at this time
- Pruning
- No pruning required
- Propagation
- Propagate by surface sowing seed at 20-25°C in late winter in moist, shady conditions. Gradually increase light and reduce humidity after germination. Separate and root complete bodies in late summer
- Pest resistance
- May be susceptible to aphids
- Disease resistance
- Generally disease-free