Conophytum minimum

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least cone plant

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Synonyms

Conophytum scitulum

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Cactus Succulent

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

Position

Full sun

Soil Types

Loam, Sand

Max Height

Up to 10 cm

Max Spread

0-0.1 metre

Size

Time to Maturity
2–5 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
East–facing or South–facing or West–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
Drought Resistance
Yes

Colour & Scent

Fragrance Flower
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
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