Conophytum fraternum(N.E.Br . ) N.E.Br .

Conophytum praecox , Mesembryanthemum fraternum

sept : AizoaceaeSubfamily : RuschioideaeTribe : RuschieaeGenus : Conophytum

Conophytum fraternum. A small cluster with heads in bloom.

A small cluster with heads in bloom. Derivative of a photo by Alain Sutton viaSucculent Sundae.

The specific epithet " fraternum(pronounced FRA - ter - num ) " is the sexless form of the Latin adjectival " fraternus , " mean " brotherlike , brotherlike . "

Conophytum fraternumis native toSouth Africa . It occurs in shaded cracks and crevices on quartz in the Northern Cape province .

Conophytum fraternumis a dwarf succulent with a couple of thick , fleshy leave fused into an inversely conelike body that istruncateto irregularly concave above . It producesoffsetsreadily , forming a flatclumpwith historic period . The bodies can grow up to 0.8 inches ( 2 centimeter ) tall and 0.4 inches ( 1 atomic number 96 ) in diam . Theepidermisis smooth , pale whitish - dark-green , thickly green - discern , and sometimes banded with red .

Conophytum fraternum. Top view of a large cluster of heads.

Top view of a large cluster of heads. Derivative of a photo by Alain Sutton viaSucculent Sundae.

The flowers aresolitary , diurnal , long - tubed , whitened to pallid pink , and seem in fall .

Light : This succulent needs bright light but does not like too much lineal sun . To obviate erythema solare , place yourC. fraternumin a place to encounter a few hours of full sun in cooler period of the day . The plant stretches if it needs more light-colored .

Soil : C. fraternumthrives well in porous dirt mixing that tolerate water system to drain away quickly . Use a commercial-grade potting mix especially designed for grow succulents , ormake your own .

Conophytum fraternum. Top view of a small cluster with heads in bloom.

Top view of a small cluster with heads in bloom. Derivative of a photo by Alain Sutton viaSucculent Sundae.

Temperature : High temperatures are not a problem , but the plant can be damaged when the temperature goes below freeze . C. fraternumcan stand firm temperatures as low as 35 ° F ( 1.7 ° C).USDA Plant Hardiness Zones10b to 11b , 35 to 50 ° atomic number 9 ( 1.7 to 10 ° one C ) .

Watering : When dormant in the spring , C. fraternumrequires minuscule or no water . When it begins to farm again in the fall , it is secure to water profoundly , allowing the soil to dry before between watering . If leaves start to wrinkle during active growth , your plant needs water .

fertilize : This small succulent is a light eater and does not need fertilizer if repotted every two long time .

Conophytum fraternum. Close-up of a flower.

Close-up of a flower. Derivative of a photo by Alain Sutton viaSucculent Sundae.

Repotting : The serious time to repotC. fraternumis at the start of the dynamic growth period , but the repotting can be done almost any time while the plant is actively get .

multiplication : This specie is commonly grown from seeded player . Like allConophytums , it is also easily propagated by variance . The best time to divideC. fraternumis in belated summer or other fall before it begin to break quiescency or after it has bloom . Sow the seeds in gloam in a pot with a well - drained soil premix .

Learn more atHow to develop and Care for Conophytum .

C. fraternumis non - toxic and secure to turn around youngster and ducky .

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