Last updated on July 20th, 2022 at 01:44 am
The Conophytum breve is a well-known species of succulents. This plant, also known as the short-stemmed conophytum, has been in cultivation since its discovery by John Medley Wood Jr. and his wife Florence Merriam Bailey near Kuruman in South Africa around 1895.
The Conophytum breve is a miniature plant, the flowers are borne on an erect stem and measure only about 0.75 inches in length (19 mm).
Care for these plants includes keeping them planted into well-draining soil with good air circulation around the pot or container to avoid root rot from stagnant water. Conophytums are best repotted in the spring when new growth appears at their base to provide a fresh start for the growing season.
Conophytum breve propagation
Conophytum breve can be propagated by the division of the clumps that form and root readily at the tips. Conophytums should also not be overwatered, as this will cause them to rot.
General Care Information
Light requirements
Conophytum breve Conophytum breves are a winter grower and require less light than summer growers.
Conophytum plants prefer bright filtered sunlight but can also be grown under artificial lighting indoors or in greenhouses which provide cool temperatures in the summers.
Soil requirements
Conophytum breve plants prefer well-drained soil. A mixture of coarse sand mixed with a little compost and organic peat moss is adequate for most Conophytums.
Temperature and humidity
Conophytum breve can survive in a wide range of temperatures and humidity.
Conophytums do well at 40°F to 60°F (slightly higher during the winter) with a light misting once or twice per week. The plants also prefer 30% relative humidity but are tolerant of lower relative humidity.
Conophytums are vulnerable to sudden temperature changes and do not tolerate low winter temperatures well so it is best for them to go into the house before cold weather arrives but they should also be brought back outdoors when the weather warms up.
Watering
Conophytum breve needs moderate watering. They should be watered lightly once per week, more during periods of high humidity or rain, and less in times of drought.
Conophytums are subject to rot if the soil is too wet for prolonged periods so it is important not to overwater.
When watering, the potting medium should be kept moist but not wet. Conophytum plants in pots also do best when potted with fine bark mix which allows for good drainage.
Fertilizing
Conophytum breve needs infrequent fertilizing. Once every two or three months is usually adequate for the plant, using a diluted liquid fertilizer with micronutrients such as Miracle-Gro® Indoor & Outdoor Liquid Plant Food each time it is applied.
Repotting
Conophytum breve should be repotted every two to three years.
Pests and diseases
Conophytums are relatively pest and disease-free. But they may be subjected to root rot, aphids, thrips, whiteflies, nematodes, and spider mites but these problems can usually be avoided by providing Conophytums with good air circulation and choosing varieties that resist specific pests or diseases.
