Bulbous Conophytum Cultivation Method
Are you curious about the experience of cultivating the bulbous Conophytum, the cultivation method of this succulent? Let's follow the editor to find out!
Bulbous Conophytum enters dormancy in summer and grows in other seasons. The shedding period is quite long, almost covering the entire summer. It can be exposed to more sunlight during the shedding period, but be careful not to get sunburned. Reduce watering or avoid it during the shedding period. By the end of May to July, it will usually finish shedding. If watered during this period, the shedding period will extend into summer. The shedding of bulbous Conophytum involves the old leaves drying out slowly, while new plants grow inside the old ones. The old plant will slowly dry out and become a thin, dry, and brittle skin, which indicates successful shedding. In summer, it mainly relies on the dried old skin for protection. Bulbous Conophytum prefers a cool, dry environment with abundant sunlight and grows well under conditions of significant day-night temperature differences. It is drought-resistant and dislikes waterlogging.
The planting material for bulbous Conophytum is a mixture of coal slag with a small amount of peat, and also mixed with a little red jade soil and orchid stone. The surface is covered with granular river sand. The planting material should focus on water permeability and breathability. This variety is not tolerant to direct sunlight, so it must be shaded in summer. Spring is the growing season, and it can be exposed to the sun with a small amount of water. This variety usually requires less water, and it is rare to water more than a few times a month, basically avoiding soaking the pot. Keep it shaded and in a bright, well-ventilated area with scattered light throughout the summer. Since it is a dormant period, only a small amount of water is given; too much will cause rotting.
In autumn, when the temperature drops, watering can be resumed gradually. If the plant is full, there is no need to add water, otherwise, the bulbous part of the plant may crack. In winter, it is necessary to avoid low temperatures that could cause frostbite. There is no problem with the soil being dry at -3 degrees Celsius. Since it is a growing season, the plant should be placed in a sunny area for maintenance, but avoid excessive watering. If the pot accumulates water, the plant is very prone to rot. As bulbous Conophytum grows slowly and has low nutrient requirements, a slow-release fertilizer can be used during cultivation. There are significant differences between the north and south, so enthusiasts should cultivate according to their own environment.
Bulbous Conophytum can be propagated by sowing seeds in autumn, around mid-to-late September. Since the seeds are tiny, cover them with glass or plastic wrap after sowing. Use the immersion method for watering before germination, and a small spray bottle can be used during the seedling stage. The temperature for germination should not be too high, with daytime temperatures around 15 to 20 degrees Celsius and nighttime temperatures dropping to 5 to 10 degrees Celsius. Some temperature variation is beneficial, and the germination temperature is relatively lower compared to other species. Sterilization of the seedling pot is crucial.
Bulbous Conophytum can also be propagated by division, but who would want to, considering it is a slow-growing variety that doesn't like to branch out. Of course, it looks more beautiful when grown in clusters.
This article shares a detailed explanation of the cultivation method of bulbous Conophytum for reference and suggestions only!