Conophytum, known in German as Kegelblumen (cone flowers), look like small relatives of Lithops: tiny, rounded bodies that are barely noticeable among stones. But when it comes to care, they differ in one crucial respect: Conophytum are typical winter growers. They rest in summer, and from late summer onwards they grow and bloom. In this article you will learn what this rhythm looks like, how to water Conophytum correctly and what location they need.
What are Conophytum?
Like Lithops, Conophytum belong to the ice plant family (Aizoaceae) and come from the west of South Africa and the southwest of Namibia. The name derives from the Latin word for cone and describes the leaf pairs fused into a cone shape. Each of these pairs is called a head. Over time, many species form dense clusters of several heads. In total there are over a hundred species, which vary greatly in size, colour and shape: from bodies just a few millimetres across to several centimetres.
Conophytum or Lithops?
At first glance the two look similar, but there are clear differences:
| Feature | Lithops | Conophytum |
|---|---|---|
| Heads | Usually larger single heads made of two leaves | Usually much smaller, often forming clusters |
| Markings | Window-like markings on the top surface | No such markings, usually greener in colour |
| Growth | Main growth in spring, rest in winter and midsummer | Winter grower: grows from late summer into spring, rests in summer |
| Flowering | Late summer to autumn, usually in the afternoon | Mostly from late summer into autumn, sometimes into winter; by day or at night depending on the species |
If you already care for Lithops, you need to rethink with Conophytum: just when the Lithops rest, the Conophytum get going. You can read how to care for your Lithops in autumn and winter in our article Lithops in autumn and winter.
The yearly rhythm: when to water?
Conophytum come from regions with winter rain and dry summers. That is why they keep to their rhythm here too: in summer they are dormant, the old leaves dry into a parchment-like protective sheath, and the new heads develop underneath. At the end of summer the new heads burst through this sheath, the plants bloom, and the main growth takes place in autumn and winter. The following overview summarises guideline values from the practice of experienced collectors in northern Europe. Depending on the species, location and weather, the rhythm may shift – more important than the calendar is the condition of your plant.
| Period | What happens? | Water? |
|---|---|---|
| Approx. April to July | Summer rest, old leaves dry into the protective sheath, the new heads form underneath | No, keep dry |
| Late July/August to October | The plants wake up, the new heads burst through the sheath, flowering (mostly August to October) | Start watering again as soon as the nights get cooler (ideally below approx. 15 °C); at first about once a week |
| Mid-October to winter | Main growth, the heads fill out | Gradually less, in midwinter about every three to four weeks |
| February to March | New leaves form inside the old heads | Increase the frequency slightly again |
| From April | Growth ends, the summer rest begins | Stop |
Rule of thumb: Water according to the plant, not the calendar. In many species, wrinkles on the heads during the growth phase show that they are thirsty. This does not apply during the summer rest: the old leaves shrink quite naturally then. Water at the edge of the pot and not over the heads, because water on the protective sheath can wash out tannins and discolour the new heads.
Location, pot and substrate
- ☀️Very brightDuring the growing season Conophytum need plenty of light, and in winter the brightest spot. They should be protected from strong sun in spring and summer, as the first hot days can scorch the heads.
- ❄️Frost-free and coolIn winter Conophytum like it cool and bright. They do not tolerate frost and should be kept frost-free at all times.
- 🪴Shallow bowlMost species have shallow roots. From a pot width of about 8 to 9 cm, shallow bowls are better than deep pots.
- 💧Fast drainageThe substrate must be very permeable so that no moisture collects.
A suitable permeable, mineral base is our Lithops soil & Split Rock substrate. Many collectors also mix some loamy soil with coarse minerals for Conophytum, since purely mineral mixes are not considered ideal for every species of this genus. A thin layer of fine gravel on the surface helps to prevent rot on the plant body.
Conophytum from our shop
Rare purple-brown succulent with rounded bodies that grows as a cluster.
View product
Rare houseplant with dotted green and brown bodies, as a pot with several plants.
View productConophytum are considered non-toxic to children and pets. Of course, they are still not meant to be eaten as a houseplant.
Common mistakes
- Watering during the summer rest: Between April and July Conophytum need no water; wet soil quickly leads to rot here.
- Watering in winter as in late summer: Gradually reduce the amount of water from mid-October.
- Removing old sheaths too early: Only remove them once the new leaves have broken through. You should also remove spent flowers so that no grey mould forms.
- Too little light in winter: The plants then become soft and green and lose their colour.
- Strong spring sun: The first hot days in April and May can scorch the heads.
How to get succulents in general through the cold season is covered in our article Overwintering succulents. An overview of the variety of Living Stones can be found in Lithops varieties.
Conclusion
Conophytum are small plants with great charm – and with a rhythm that is easy to remember: rest in summer, growth and flowers from late summer, less water and plenty of light in winter. With a bright spot, a shallow bowl and permeable substrate they develop into dense clusters. In our category Living Stones you will find Lithops in many colours and patterns, and with our Lithops substrate you have a permeable base for your Living Stones.
