Conophytum bilobum

RHS Plant Profile

two-lobed cone plant

Synonyms

Conophytum albescens, Conophytum ampliatum, Conophytum amplum, Conophytum angustum L. Bolus, Conophytum angustum N.E. Br., Conophytum curtum, Conophytum dolomiticum, Conophytum lavisianum, Conophytum laxipetalum, Conophytum longibracteatum, Conophytum muscosipapillatum, Conophytum piriforme, Conophytum plenum, Conophytum pluriforme, Conophytum proximum, Conophytum simile, Conophytum variabile

Cactus Succulent

A clump-forming succulent with two very fleshy grey-green leaves, united below, and solitary bright yellow, daisy-like flowers 3cm across opening in late summer

Position

Full sun

Soil Types

Loam, Sand

Max Height

Up to 10 cm

Max Spread

0-0.1 metre

Size

Time to Maturity: 5–10 years
Max Spread: 0-0.1 metre
Max Height: Up to 10 cm

Growing Conditions

Loam Sand

Moisture: Well–drained
pH: Acid or Alkaline or Neutral

Position

Full sun

Aspect: West–facing or North–facing or East–facing
Exposure: Sheltered
Hardiness

Hardiness Ratings

All ratings refer to the UK growing conditions unless otherwise stated. Minimum temperature ranges (in degrees C) are shown in brackets

H1A: under glass all year (>15C)
H1B: can be grown outside in the summer (10 - 15)
H1C: can be grown outside in the summer (5 - 10)
H2: tolerant of low temperatures, but not surviving being frozen (1 to 5)
H3: hardy in coastal and relatively mild parts of the UK (-5 to 1)
H4: hardy through most of the UK (-10 to -5)
H5: hardy in most places throughout the UK even in severe winters (-15 to -10)
H6: hardy in all of UK and northern Europe (-20 to -15)
H7: hardy in the severest European continental climates (< -20): H2

Colour & Scent

Season	Stem	Flower	Foliage	Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical Details

Family: Aizoaceae
Native to GB/Ireland: 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

How to Grow

Cultivation

Grow under glass in a mixture of two parts each sharp sand and loam and one part leaf mould, in full light. Provide low humidity. Water sparingly when in growth and keep completely dry at other times. No additional ferrtilizer is needed

Propagation

Propagate by seed sown in gentle heat with high humidity reduce the humidity after germination. Propagate by offsets may be taken

Suggested planting locations and garden types

Patio and container plants
Conservatory and greenhouse

Pruning

No pruning required

Pests

May be susceptible to aphids

Diseases

Generally diseasefree