Conophytum

Conophytum description

Among the large number of succulent vegetation, one can especially distinguish those plants that in appearance resemble pebbles. They are called by the people as "living stones". Its scientific name is conophytum. The birthplace of such plants is the stony deserts of the South African territory.

The genus Konophytum belongs to the Aizovy family. They differ in that they have an aerial part, which is two juicy leaves, which are tightly fused with each other. Leaves in the form of hearts either resemble lumpy balls, or their shape is conical, truncated, with round edges. The shortened stem is located in the ground. Leaves can be colored blue, green or brown, their surface can be covered with small specks. Therefore, conophytum almost merges with a large number of pebbles, because it grows among them.

The plant blooms very decoratively. It begins to bloom almost simultaneously with the stage of rapid growth. The flowers are large enough, bright in color, similar in shape to a chamomile or funnel-shaped.

The plant has a precise life cycle, it is associated with the dormant stage and the growing season, falling on dry and rainy seasons, which reigns at this time in the place where the conophytum comes from. These stages may not differ so much from species to species. But still, for most, the growing season occurs in the winter season, and the dormant stage - from the first months of spring to the first months of autumn or from the last days of winter to mid-summer.

This culture is distinguished by an original feature - the growth of young leaves occurs inside the old foliage. Old leaves later dry up and become thinner. This is how they protect the new generation in their own way.

Conophytum care

Temperature conditions and light levels.

Normal growth and development of conophytum will be in the room where it is dry and cool (temperature conditions - 10-18 degrees), plus everything, the room should be well ventilated. The light should be diffused. Do not allow the plant to overheat. In addition, it must be protected from direct sun exposure, which can burn foliage, especially young conophytums. Young vegetation gradually becomes accustomed to sunlight.

Soil mix.

Suitable soil must be loose. The composition of the substrate includes river sand, leaf humus, red clay in a ratio of 2: 2: 1. Shop soil is also suitable for planting, which is intended for succulents and cacti. Do not forget that peat soil is not suitable for planting.

Fertilization.

The plant is fed on rare occasions, usually 1-2 times / year. You can fertilize with a potassium mixture that contains little nitrogen. You need to take half of the recommended dosage. If you have recently transplanted conophytum, then you do not need to feed it.

Watering.

Watering is carried out through the pallet, do not allow water to get on the leaves. In rare cases, the plant is sprayed. Then it is necessary to make it as if the culture is in fog, while water should not get on the foliage.

Rest stage.

When growing this type of plant, keep its life cycle in mind. Resting watering stops completely. Watering again begins after the plant begins to actively grow. It is then that a new one appears from an old dried leaf. Conophytum also blooms at this time. Flowering lasts from June to September days.

In the fall, watering is carried out once a week, in the winter season, you can water it once every 28 days.The frequency of watering increases slightly when the plant finishes actively growing (February-March days). During this time period, new leaves begin to form inside the old ones.

The leaves should fade and shrink, this is natural, do not be alarmed.

Transplanting.

In frequent cases, this vegetation is not transplanted. Usually conophytum is transplanted once every two to four years. A flower is transplanted regardless of the season of the year, but nevertheless, the end of the dormant stage is considered the most optimal time. The plant is not watered before transplanting. All old soil is removed from the roots, and they can also be rinsed. It can be planted in low and narrow pots. It is necessary to build a good drainage system at the bottom, consisting of expanded clay, the layer should be 1.5 cm long. After the plant is transplanted, water it after 15 days, you do not need to feed it for a certain time.

Conophytums live long. Life expectancy can be 10-15 years. But as they grow up, they start to grow. The stem lengthens, the former spectacular appearance is lost.

Conophytum reproduction

Reproduction methods: cuttings, seed method.

For propagation by cuttings, a part of the stem with a leaf is carefully cut off and rooted in the ground. The first time is watered three weeks after planting, during this time period, the roots of the plant develop. Professional flower growers advise leaving the cuttings outdoors for a couple of days to dry out. Then the cut is processed with Heteroauxin powder or colloidal sulfur is applied.

Seed propagation is more difficult. The plant is cross-pollinated. Ripening of small grains takes a long time, about a year. Plucked fruits containing grain inside are placed in cool and dark. Before sowing, they are soaked for a certain time.

Grains are sown when the plant begins to grow actively in the fall. Seeds are laid out on the surface layer of moist soil, sprinkled with sand on top. The container is covered with polyethylene. Before the first shoots appear, the soil mixture should be constantly slightly moist.

Seed germination is more efficient in a cool place, but they need to make sure that the daily temperature conditions fluctuate. During the day, the temperature should be 17-20 degrees, at night - 10 degrees, no more.

15 days after the shoots have appeared, the polyethylene is removed. The seedlings are placed in a cool place, the room should be well ventilated. After a year, the plant finishes forming, the first time it blooms after 1.5-2 years.

Diseases and harmful insects

Conophytum is quite resistant to diseases and harmful insects. Rarely, a worm or spider mite can attack it. Rotting of the flower may begin due to waterlogging. Low-volume watering, high temperature conditions of the air, lack of nutrients are unfavorable factors for the growth and development of this type of vegetation.