Conophytum (Conophytum) occupies a special place in the plant kingdom of succulents. The plant is also referred to as "Living stones"... Conophytums received such a peculiar name due to their external resemblance to pebbles. The area of distribution of wild plantations of the described culture is the southern corners of the African continent, where succulent is considered a frequent visitor to arid deserts.
Description of the conophytum
In scientific sources, the conophytum belongs to the representatives of the Aizov family, which have two fleshy fused leaves as the ground part. Leaf blades that accumulate moisture look like a heart or resemble a lumpy ball. Sometimes foliage takes the form of a truncated cone with rounded edges. The central shoot is low, located underground. Succulents of this genus are colored blue, green or brown. Often there is a slight mottling on the leaves. The unique color makes the plant inconspicuous and allows you to hide among the stones, like a chameleon.
The type of Aizovs under consideration is very attractive. Blooms simultaneously with the activation of vegetative processes. Large buds of a rich tone are similar in outline to chamomile flowers or a funnel.
The conophytum plant has a specific life cycle, which is associated with a dormant phase and growth. As a rule, it coincides with the period of rains and droughts in the homeland of the flower. The species bred by domestic breeders are slightly late or, conversely, are ahead in the development of their relatives. In our area, intensive growth in conophytum is observed in winter. Peace begins in spring and lasts until September or October.
The leaves of the "living stones" are unusually arranged. Juicy scales appear inside old plates, which provide protection for the young at first. Over time, the old leaves gradually wither, the walls become thinner.
Conophytum care at home
Location and lighting
Fresh air and diffused light should be regularly supplied to the room. Overheating of the leaves of the conophytum is undesirable. A flowerpot with a flower is protected from direct sun. The rays are capable of leaving burns on the scales. Young specimens are in great danger. Newly planted bushes need to be gradually accustomed to natural light and daily leave the pot for several hours on the windowsill.
Temperature
The plant, although slowly but steadily, grows in size in a cool dry room at a temperature of 10-18 ° C.
Watering
Conophytum is watered in the lower way, i.e. through the pallet, preventing moisture from entering the surface of the leaf blades. Spraying is allowed during periods of extreme heat. However, it is important to ensure that no water droplets accumulate in the sinuses. Excess liquid deposited on the foliage can lead to rotting of the plant.
The soil
A loose drained substrate containing sand, leaf humus and clay is selected - the optimal mixture for planting a succulent.If it is not possible to get suitable components, they acquire ready-made soil. It is not recommended to use peat and various substrates with its addition.
Top dressing
Top dressing is applied only occasionally. It is enough to fertilize the crop 1-2 times a year. The advantage is given to potash fertilizers, where there is little nitrogen. When diluting the fertilizer, it is better to take half of the dose indicated by the manufacturer on the package. Plants that have survived a short transplant do not need additional nutrition.
Transplant features
Transfer the conophytum bush from one pot to another only when absolutely necessary. Adult specimens are transplanted once every 2-4 years, waiting until the dormant period ends. The season doesn't matter. The substrate should not be moistened before transplanting the conophytum. The extracted roots are freed from adhering soil and gently washed under water. Landing is done in spacious low flowerpots, on the bottom of which expanded clay or pebbles are poured. The width of the drainage layer is at least 1.5 cm. When the procedure is completed, the plant is watered for the first time in two weeks. Until the bush takes root, fertilizer should not be applied.
Succulents are among the longest-lived representatives of the flora. Under favorable conditions, even indoor pets live up to 10-15 years. Every year the stem lengthens, which worsens the overall appearance.
Dormant period
Growing "living stones", you need to remember about the life cycle of the culture. While the plant is resting, watering is stopped. Moisturizing the soil is resumed with the beginning of the growth of shoots and roots, when the top of a young growth appears next to the old leaf. In parallel, inflorescences are formed. In different varieties of conophytum, flowering occurs in June, July or August and lasts until mid-September.
In autumn, watering of the conophytum is reduced. The earth is moistened only once a week. In winter, it is recommended to water the "pebbles" once a month. The amount of water applied is increased in February or March, when the process of forming new leaves starts.
The drooping color and drying of old plates should not cause concern for the owners. This happens to all succulents.
Reproduction methods of conophytum
Conophytums propagate by cuttings or sowing seeds.
When propagating by cuttings, a leaf with a stem is cut off and planted in the ground to form roots. Watering is started three weeks after planting. By this time, the stalk will acquire roots. Florists advise keeping the cutting outdoors until it dries out for a day or two. The section of the cut is rubbed with colloidal sulfur.
Seed cultivation of a crop is considered more challenging. Bushes are cross-pollinated. Ripening of small seeds is long. It will take almost a year for the grains to ripen. Dried fruits are harvested and transferred to a cool place where there is no natural light. Before sowing, the grains are soaked in water for a couple of hours.
Sowing activities are carried out in the fall, before the active growing season begins. The seeds are spread over the moistened soil and dripped with a small layer of sand. Containers are covered with foil to retain moisture. To successfully form young shoots, the substrate is kept moist.
Germination proceeds more efficiently in a cool microclimate, taking into account the difference in daily temperatures, where the air temperature is from 17 to 20 ° C during the day and does not drop below 10 ° C at night.
After 2 weeks, the protective film is removed so that the seedlings develop further on their own. They are kept cool, where the air enters. The plant forms a frame throughout the year and blooms for the first time after 1.5-2 years.
Diseases and pests
Conophytum has a strong "immunity" to various diseases, is not afraid of pests. Occasionally, foliage is infected with a worm or spider mite. Due to excessive watering, the succulent may die.Conversely, a lack of water, overheating of the air or a poor growing medium of the substrate in a flower pot leads to a slowdown in plant growth.
