Origin
Conophytum meyerae Schwantes forma pole-evansii (N.E.Br.) Tischer is a species of succulent plant that is native to South Africa, specifically the Northern Cape Province and the western parts of the Karoo region.
Common Names
Commonly known as Pole-Evans's cone plant, Conophytum meyerae Schwantes forma pole-evansii (N.E.Br.) Tischer is also referred to as the 'Living Stones' due to its stone-like appearance.
Uses
Conophytum meyerae Schwantes forma pole-evansii (N.E.Br.) Tischer is often cultivated as a decorative plant, owing to its unique and attractive appearance. It is commonly grown in rock gardens, containers, and as houseplants. The plant is also known for its medicinal properties and can be used in traditional medicine to treat coughs and colds.
General Appearance
Conophytum meyerae Schwantes forma pole-evansii (N.E.Br.) Tischer is a small plant, growing up to 3cm in diameter. It has two fleshy, green leaves that are partially fused together and form a cone-like shape. The top of the plant, also known as the 'head', has a smooth and glossy texture. The plant produces small, yellow to white flowers, and its fruit is a small capsule that contains many seeds.
Growth Conditions for Conophytum meyerae Schwantes forma pole-evansii (N.E.Br.) Tischer
Conophytum meyerae Schwantes forma pole-evansii (N.E.Br.) Tischer is a small, slow-growing succulent that requires specific growth conditions. The following are the light, temperature, and soil requirements for optimal growth.
Light Requirements
Conophytum meyerae Schwantes forma pole-evansii (N.E.Br.) Tischer prefers bright but indirect light. It is essential to avoid direct sunlight as it can cause sunburns on the leaves, leading to their death. It is also important to note that too little light can cause the leaves' stretching, which weakens the succulent and affects its overall growth.
Temperature Requirements
The succulent thrives in warm temperatures and cannot tolerate frost. The ideal temperature range for Conophytum meyerae Schwantes forma pole-evansii (N.E.Br.) Tischer growth is between 20-25 degrees Celsius during the day, dropping to around 15 degrees Celsius overnight. It is important to protect the plant from extreme temperature changes, both hot and cold, as it can cause damage to the leaves.
Soil Requirements
The succulent requires well-draining soil, allowing excess water to seep through. The recommended soil mix for Conophytum meyerae Schwantes forma pole-evansii (N.E.Br.) Tischer comprises 60% mineral grit, 20% coarse sand, and 20% organic matter. This soil mix provides the optimal environment for the succulent's shallow root system, allowing the plant to access the necessary nutrients and water.
In summary, Conophytum meyerae Schwantes forma pole-evansii (N.E.Br.) Tischer requires bright but indirect light, warm temperature, and well-draining soil to thrive. By providing these growth conditions, you can ensure your plant stays healthy and attractive for years to come.
Cultivation
Conophytum meyerae Schwantes forma pole-evansii (N.E.Br.) Tischer is a mesemb succulent plant that requires well-draining soil to grow. It is best to use a cactus/succulent-specific potting mix or create your own by mixing sand, perlite, and regular potting soil.
It prefers a warm and dry environment, so it is ideal to plant it in terracotta pots, which provide good airflow and allow the soil to dry out faster between waterings.
This plant thrives in full sunlight and can withstand extreme temperatures, so it is best to keep it in a sunny window or outdoors if the weather permits.
Watering Needs
Conophytum meyerae Schwantes forma pole-evansii (N.E.Br.) Tischer is a drought-tolerant plant that requires minimal watering. The best practice is to water it when the soil has completely dried out. Overwatering can cause the roots to rot and can lead to the death of the plant.
It is important to avoid getting water on the leaves as this can cause the plant to rot and die.
Fertilization
Fertilizing this plant is not necessary, but if you want to promote healthy growth, you can use a cactus/succulent fertilizer diluted to half strength once a month during the growing season (spring and summer).
Pruning
Conophytum meyerae Schwantes forma pole-evansii (N.E.Br.) Tischer doesn't require pruning, but you can remove any dead leaves or offsets that appear. Make sure to use sterilized scissors or a knife to prevent any infection.
Propagation of Conophytum meyerae Schwantes forma pole-evansii (N.E.Br.) Tischer
Conophytum meyerae Schwantes forma pole-evansii (N.E.Br.) Tischer, commonly known as Meyer's conophytum, is a small succulent plant that is native to the Republic of South Africa. It can be easily propagated using several simple methods.
Propagation Methods
The following are some propagation methods that can be used to multiply Conophytum meyerae Schwantes forma pole-evansii:
Leaf Cuttings
One of the easiest methods of propagating Conophytum meyerae Schwantes forma pole-evansii is through leaf cuttings. To do this, select a healthy leaf from the parent plant and carefully remove it from the stem. Allow the leaf to dry for a day or two, and then place it on top of the well-draining soil mix. Water sparingly, keeping the soil slightly moist, and new plantlets will begin to grow from the base of the leaf. It may take several weeks for new plantlets to emerge.
Seed Propagation
Conophytum meyerae Schwantes forma pole-evansii can also be propagated by seed. Sow seeds in well-draining soil and cover with a thin layer of sand. Keep the soil slightly moist and ensure the seeds are located in a warm, bright spot. New seedlings should emerge within a few weeks. It is important to note that seedlings require special care, including high humidity levels, and consistent moisture until they are established.
Offsets Division
Offsets division is another method of propagation in which new plants arise from the parent plant's stem base. To propagate through this method, carefully remove the offsets while ensuring that complete roots are present. Plant offsets in a well-draining soil mix and keep the soil moist until they are established.
With proper care, propagating Conophytum meyerae Schwantes forma pole-evansii can be easy and rewarding, allowing one to enjoy this beautiful plant in various corners of the home.
Disease Management for Conophytum meyerae Schwantes forma pole-evansii (N.E.Br.) Tischer
Conophytum meyerae Schwantes forma pole-evansii (N.E.Br.) Tischer is not highly susceptible to diseases, but it can still be affected by various fungal and bacterial infections. One of the most common diseases that can affect this plant is fungal leaf spots. These spots are usually caused by fungi such as Cercospora and Phoma. The spots appear as circular lesions on the leaves of the plant, and they can be grey or brown. To manage this disease:
- Remove and dispose of all infected leaves and debris around the plant
- Avoid overhead watering, water the soil instead
- Improve air circulation around the plant to reduce moisture buildup by pruning surrounding plants if necessary
- Apply a fungicide as a preventative measure
Another common disease for Conophytum meyerae Schwantes forma pole-evansii (N.E.Br.) Tischer is root rot. Root rot is caused by overwatering or poorly draining soil which leads to fungal growth in the roots. To manage this disease,:
- Ensure that the plant is in well-draining soil
- Water the soil only when it is almost completely dry to avoid overwatering
- Apply a fungicide to the soil before planting as a preventative measure.
Pest Management for Conophytum meyerae Schwantes forma pole-evansii (N.E.Br.) Tischer
Conophytum meyerae Schwantes forma pole-evansii (N.E.Br.) Tischer can also be affected by a few common pests, including mealybugs, spider mites, and scale insects.
Mealybugs are small, white, fluffy insects that usually affect the roots and leaves of the plant, they damage the plant by sucking its sap. To manage mealybugs:
- Use a cotton swab soaked in alcohol to rub off the insects – make sure to include the areas where groups of insects congregate (between the leaves, in leaf axils, along stems).
- Use a blast of water to wash off any other bugs that may be present on the leaves or stems
- Apply an insecticide that is labeled for mealybug control, always follow all the instructions given on the product label.
Spider mites are tiny pests that are almost invisible with the naked eye. They usually prefer to live on the underside of plant leaves. These pests damage the plant by piercing and sucking the sap from the leaves. To manage spider mites:
- Spray the affected plant with water using a hose pipe to dislodge most of them. (Do these more when the pest is less in number)
- Apply a miticide that is both safe, effective and labeled for spider mite management, always ensure to follow all the instructions given on the product label.
Scale insects are small, motionless pests that attach themselves to the plant and suck its sap. They appear as small waxy white or yellow bumps. To manage scale insects:
- Use an alcohol-soaked cotton swab to rub off each of the insects
- Use a light application of horticultural oil or insecticidal soap to destroy them. When using any of these solutions please use all products according to the instructions given on the product label.
