I can't remember exactly when I saw my first Conophytum, or "Cono", but it was love at first sight! They are wonderfully adapted, and interestingly shaped succulents that remind me of little candies. I just HAD to add a few to my growing collection of Mesembs but they proved to be elusive. I had never come across conos online or locally, until recently when I spotted two small potted Conos sitting demurely among other succulents at a C/S Society sale. I snatched those babies up in a heartbeat! I was hooked.
My assumption that cultural requirements of Conos was akin to that of Lithops, proved to be a bit off, but after a little research (see links below), I was set straight. The seasonal phases of Conos are fascinating. They are winter growers. As summer approaches, growth slows and they prepare for domancy by developing a sheath, taking on a brownish, shriveled look. An unsuspecting gardener may think their plants were dying! With the onset of cooler temps of fall/winter, the sheaths break open to reveal new growth and brilliant color. This is also bloom time! Colorful little flowers pop up from the center of each plant. They last for a few days, staying open when temps are warm and the sky is bright. The cycle begins again as Conos fatten up and grow over winter, which is in perfect sync with the cool/rainy season in my area. We are buddies now!
Here are photos of a few of my Conos. I hope I labeled them correctly?!...
 |
Conophytum minimum 'wittebergense' Klipfontein'
in late spring |
 |
| Same plant, in too much sun! |
 |
| Summer dormancy |
 |
| Fall ~ Sheaths breaking open. Notice some plants have begun to divide. |
 |
| Conophytum marnierianum 'Secret of Suzanne' |
 |
Conophytum loeschianum
|
 |
| Conophytum elisae |
 |
| Conophytum obcordellum? |
 |
| Conophytum blandum |
 |
Conophytum verrucosum
|
 |
| Conophytum uviforme |
Conophytum hians (developing sheaths)
 |
| Conophytum minutum |
Helpful Links:
Those conos are like candies. It would be nice to follow their evelopment and different phases.
ReplyDeleteSatu
Hi Satu! All of my cono's with the exception of C. elisae, are sheathed over. I'll try to take a few followup photos of this stage, as it is so interesting.
DeleteSuch amazing plants. I hadn't heard of them before I read your post, and now I'm rather intrigued by these things.
ReplyDeleteThat is a good descriptive word, Bernie. "Intriguing" they are!
DeleteLove the first 2 and the verrucosum especially. I cannot decide between lithops and cono's, which are my favourites, but I am think I am more leaning towards Cono's lately, not that it stops me sowing 20 sp. of lithops! LOL! Love the plants, Arid.
ReplyDeleteThanks LT! Definitely hard to decide between lithops and conos. I have leaned towards conos too, mainly because they enjoy my local climate. Will never be without a lot of lithops though!!
DeleteAmong our mediterranean winter rainfall succulents. Which is ideal as California shares that mediterranean climate with us. No need to battle with watering in summer, and enjoying the rain which is falling as I write.
ReplyDeleteI am so excited that I found your blog and especially this post. And you actually live in So Cal. Bonus. I thought I was the only one that was gaga for conos. I don't know how I first discovered these little jewels but I think they very cool. Only thing is they are crazy hard to come across to buy! I only have two plants in my collection. I made an extensive list of all of the seed that I wanted to buy from Mesa Gardens seeing that I couldn't find some of the cool conos t buy that I saw online...but I chickened out of that order not knowing if I could pull off the seedling thing. I have a few seeds from others that I might just try this year. What the heck. Keep us all up to date on your collection throughout the year. Cheers...Reggie
ReplyDeleteHi Reggie! I am also glad to hear from a fellow Cono lover! I hope you are able to find more specimens and/or have luck with seeds. I have yet to grow them from seed; most of my plants are from Steve Hammer's offerings (I am on an email list of seasonal plants for sale). He lives a few miles north of me. Good luck with your seeds and I would love to hear back from you. What region are you from?
DeleteI was just looking at what Steve Hammer had to offer for sale but noticed that the list was put out in July. So I thought that most would have been sold by now. Didn't know he had an email list for seasonal plants. I live the south OC....inland. I have been to one SD C&SS meeting and the past two July sales and shows.
ReplyDelete