Conophytum care guide
Conophytum
Also known as: Cone plant, Button plant
Pets and children
We haven't been able to confirm how this plant affects pets or small children. If any is eaten, consult a veterinarian or a doctor.
How often to water Conophytum
- Spring–Summer (Mar–Sep)
- Every 20 days
- A winter grower: water when the soil dries through April, taper off from May, and in summer just moisten it lightly once or twice a month at night, as a guide.
- Autumn (Oct–Nov)
- Every 7 days
- From mid-September, once the old skin splits and new leaves show, resume watering well in the evening whenever the soil dries, as a guide.
- Winter (Dec–Feb)
- Every 20 days
- It keeps growing but dries slowly, so water about every two to three weeks on a warm morning, as a guide.
Light and placement for Conophytum
Fall to spring, a sunny, airy spot is the guide, with light shade in the lingering heat of September and October; in the summer rest it sits in bright, rain-free shade with the emphasis on airflow, and the balance varies by variety.
Overwintering Conophytum
Overwintering guide: 3°C (37°F) or above
It grows through winter, so give it daytime sun and keep it from frost and freezing at night; managed on the dry side it takes about 3°C, and if outdoors, bring it into a cold frame or indoors at night away from heater air.
Fertilizing and repotting Conophytum
Fertilizer
It needs only a little: diluted liquid fertilizer about once a month in fall and spring, none in the summer rest or midwinter, and too much cracks or stretches the bodies.
When to repot
Autumn (Oct–Nov)
Common problems with Conophytum
- Watered during the summer rest, it overheats and rots to mush.
- The old skin shriveling for the molt is mistaken for dying and peeled off.
- Too warm a room or too little light stretches the bodies out of shape.
Tips for growing Conophytum
- In summer, keep it in airy, rain-free shade with almost no water and wait for fall.
- When the old skin splits in fall and new leaves peek out, it is time to water again.
- Water after dusk in fall, and on warm mornings in midwinter so it does not freeze.
These are AI-generated general guidelines. They vary with the variety, the placement and the pot size. For effects on pets or children, consult a veterinarian or a doctor.
Keep your plant log going
Greenery is a free app that keeps your plant care going, with watering reminders and photo records. Available on iOS and Android.
