Origin
Conophytum lambertense Schick & Tischer var. rolfii (de Boer) Rawé is a succulent plant that is native to the Western Cape Province of South Africa. It can be found growing in arid regions, typically between rocks or in crevices on shady slopes.
Common Names
This plant is commonly known as "Living Pebble" or "Living Stone" due to its small size and its ability to blend in with its rocky surroundings.
Appearance
Conophytum lambertense Schick & Tischer var. rolfii (de Boer) Rawé is a small, low-growing succulent plant. It forms clusters of small, rounded leaves that are pale green in color and covered in tiny, white hairs. The leaves are often speckled with small, dark spots. The plant produces small, yellow flowers that bloom in the fall.
Uses
Conophytum lambertense Schick & Tischer var. rolfii (de Boer) Rawé is primarily used as an ornamental plant. It is a popular choice for rock gardens and is sometimes grown in containers. This plant is low-maintenance and can be easily propagated by seeds or division of its clumps.
Light Requirements
Conophytum lambertense Schick & Tischer var. rolfii (de Boer) Rawé requires full sun to partial shade for optimum growth. When grown indoors, place the plant on a bright windowsill that receives several hours of direct sunlight per day. Outdoor plants should be placed in a location that receives full sun for at least six hours per day.
Temperature Requirements
Conophytum lambertense Schick & Tischer var. rolfii (de Boer) Rawé prefers warm temperatures between 65°F to 85°F (18°C to 29°C) during the day and cool temperatures between 50°F to 65°F (10°C to 18°C) at night. The plant can tolerate temperatures below freezing but avoid exposing it to temperatures higher than 95°F (35°C) for extended periods as it can cause damage to the plant.
Soil Requirements
Conophytum lambertense Schick & Tischer var. rolfii (de Boer) Rawé requires well-draining, sandy soil that is slightly acidic. A mixture of cactus soil and perlite in a 1:1 ratio is ideal for growing this plant. The soil should have good drainage to prevent the roots from rotting. Water the plant thoroughly and allow the soil to dry out completely before watering it again. Avoid overwatering to prevent root rot.
Cultivation Methods
Conophytum lambertense Schick & Tischer var. rolfii (de Boer) Rawé is a small succulent plant that needs minimal care. It can be cultivated both indoors and outdoors in well-draining soil. The plant prefers alkaline to neutral soil with a pH of 6.5 to 7.5. Its roots are small and shallow, so it needs a shallow pot or container for planting.
The plant can tolerate high temperatures but can only withstand cold temperatures down to about 30°F. Therefore, it's essential to protect the plant from frost during the winter season.
Watering Needs
Since Conophytum lambertense Schick & Tischer var. rolfii (de Boer) Rawé is a succulent plant, it requires less water than most plants. During the plant's active growth season, which is usually between spring and fall, watering should be limited to once a week or less, depending on the temperature and humidity level.
In the winter season, the plant should be kept dry, and watering should only be done when the soil is completely dry. Overwatering can cause root rot, which is dangerous to the plant's health.
Fertilization
Fertilization of Conophytum lambertense Schick & Tischer var. rolfii (de Boer) Rawé is not required. However, if you decide to fertilize the plant, be sure to use a diluted fertilizer and fertilize once a year during spring.
The best fertilizer to use should contain a low nitrogen, high phosphorus, and potassium ratio such as a 5-10-10 or 7-14-14 fertilizer mix. Fertilizing this plant excessively can damage the plant's roots and foliage.
Pruning
Conophytum lambertense Schick & Tischer var. rolfii (de Boer) Rawé does not require pruning. However, if you notice any dead, damaged or diseased leaves, you can prune them to promote the plant's overall health.
When pruning, use a clean, sharp pair of scissors or pruning shears to prevent crushing or damaging the plant's stem. Disinfect the tools before and after use to avoid transferring any harmful bacteria or fungi to the plant.
Propagation of Conophytum lambertense Schick & Tischer var. rolfii (de Boer) Rawé
Conophytum lambertense Schick & Tischer var. rolfii (de Boer) Rawé can be propagated through seeds, division, and leaf cuttings. The propagation method to be used may depend on the grower's preference and the available propagation materials.
Seeds
The use of seeds is one of the most common ways to propagate Conophytum lambertense Schick & Tischer var. rolfii (de Boer) Rawé. The seeds can be sown during the fall season or early in the spring. The seeds should be planted in well-draining soil that is composed of peat, sand, and perlite. Cover the seeds with a light layer of sand and water them gently. Place the seeds in a warm environment and maintain the soil's moisture level. After two to three weeks, the seeds should start to sprout.
Division
Propagation through division involves separating a group of plants into smaller pieces to form individual plants. Conophytum lambertense Schick & Tischer var. rolfii (de Boer) Rawé can be propagated through division during the rest period of the plant, which occurs during the summer season. Gently remove the plant from the soil and carefully divide its roots into smaller groups. Plant the new groups of roots in a well-draining soil mixture and give them time to establish themselves.
Leaf Cuttings
Propagation through leaf cuttings is another method to propagate Conophytum lambertense Schick & Tischer var. rolfii (de Boer) Rawé. Cut a leaf from the plant and leave it to dry for two to three days. Afterward, place the leaf onto a well-draining soil mixture and lightly moisten it. Allow the leaf cutting to form roots before watering it again. You should see new growth from the cutting within a few weeks.
Disease Management
There are several diseases that can affect Conophytum lambertense Schick & Tischer var. rolfii (de Boer) Rawé, including fungal infections and bacterial leaf spots. To manage these diseases, it is important to maintain good plant hygiene by regularly removing dead or decaying plant material and keeping the area around the plant clean and free of debris.
Fungal infections can be managed by spraying the plant with a fungicide that contains copper hydroxide or sulfur. Bacterial leaf spots, which are characterized by brown, water-soaked spots on the leaves, can be managed by removing infected leaves and applying a copper-based bactericide.
Pest Management
There are several pests that can be problematic for Conophytum lambertense Schick & Tischer var. rolfii (de Boer) Rawé, including mealybugs, spider mites, and aphids. To manage these pests, it is important to regularly inspect the plant and remove any pests that are present.
Mealybugs can be removed by wiping the plant with a cotton swab soaked in rubbing alcohol. Spider mites and aphids can be managed by spraying the plant with insecticidal soap or neem oil.
It is important to note that prevention is key when it comes to managing pests and diseases. Regularly inspecting the plant and maintaining good plant hygiene can help to prevent many of these issues from occurring in the first place.
