Conophytum minimum
least cone plant
A tiny evergreen succulent plant producing smooth, grey green, fused leaf-pairs to 3cm tall. The top of the body may be suffused and marked with dark red patterns. In late summer it bears white, night-scented flowers to 2cm
Size
Ultimate height
Up to 10cmTime to ultimate height
2–5 yearsUltimate spread
0–0.1 metreGrowing conditions
Moisture
Well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Green Red | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | White | Green Red | ||
| Autumn | Green Red | |||
| Winter | Green Red |
Position
- Full sun
Aspect
East–facing or South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
ShelteredDrought resistance
Yes Hardiness
H2Botanical details
- Family
- Aizoaceae
- Native to the UK
- No
- Foliage
- Semi evergreen
- Habit
- Clump forming
- Genus
Conophytum are dwarf succulent perennials forming clumps of "bodies" comprising a pair of very fleshy leaves, united in the lower part, with solitary daisy-like flowers appearing from the central fissure; the leaves usually shrivel after flowering
- Name status
Correct
- Plant range
- S Cape Province
How to grow
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
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
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Houseplants
- Low Maintenance
- Conservatory and greenhouse
Pruning
No pruning required
Pests
May be susceptible to aphids
Diseases
Generally disease-free
Get involved
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