Coming and Going
conophytum hians
Also known as: ["Living Pebble","Window Plant"]
Overview
A small, succulent plant native to South Africa, known for its paired, fleshy leaves that resemble pebbles.
Benefits & Perks
["drought tolerant","rare/collector’s item","aesthetic foliage"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Magnoliophyta |
| Class: | Magnoliopsida |
| Order: | Caryophyllales |
| Family: | Aizoaceae |
| Genus: | Conophytum |
| Botanical Name: | Conophytum hians |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Succulents & Cacti
- Suitable Location: indoor pot with bright light or outdoor in a sheltered, sunny spot
- Suitable For:
- Is Weed: No
- Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
- Climate: {"temperatureRange":"5–30°C"}
- Hardiness: {"zones":"9–11"}
- Misting: rarely required, only if ambient humidity is very low
- Drainage: Fast-draining to prevent root rot.
- Soil Type: Well-draining cactus or succulent mix with added perlite or coarse sand.
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: low
- Toughness Level: moderate
- Pruning Frequency: As needed, typically annually or when dead tissue is present.
- Pruning Intensity: Light to moderate; remove only dead or diseased parts.
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Bright indirect light or filtered sunlight for 4–6 hours/day. Adjust to avoid direct midday sun, especially in summer.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate slowly to brighter light to prevent scorching. Place in a spot with morning sun and afternoon shade. Indoors, use a south-facing window with sheer curtains.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
moderatemoderate
Sunlight
full sun to partial shade
Avoid intense midday sun; provide filtered light; rotate plant for even exposure.
Watering
every 2–3 weeks during active growth, reduce to monthly in dormancy
Water deeply but infrequently; ensure soil dries fully between waterings; water only during active growth periods.
Soil
well-draining, sandy or gritty soil mix
pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0–7.0).
Ensure fast drainage; avoid heavy soils; use inorganic amendments.
Temperature
Ideal range 50–75°F (10–24°C). Prefers cooler temperatures during active growth (50–65°F) and warmer, drier conditions during dormancy.
Keep cool during growth; avoid frost; provide shade in summer; ensure dry soil in dormancy.
Fertilizing
every 2–3 months during active growth with diluted cactus fertilizer
Fertilize only during active growth; dilute to half strength; avoid summer feeding.
Propagation
Methods
Stem or leaf cuttings; division of offsets.
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Take a healthy cutting/offset.
- Let it callus for 1–2 days.
- Plant in moist propagation medium.
- Keep lightly moist until rooted.
Best Time: Late winter to early spring, when the plant is emerging from dormancy.
Environment
Warm (65–75°F), humid (50–60%), bright indirect light, and good air circulation.
Medium
Well-draining mix of cactus soil and perlite (1:1 ratio).
Hormone
Optional, but recommended for faster rooting.
Timeline
Roots may appear in 3–6 weeks; establishment takes 3–6 months.
Tools Needed
Sharp, sterile knife, rooting hormone (optional), small pots, propagation medium.
Quick Tips
Allow cuttings to callus; use well-draining medium; maintain humidity; avoid overwatering.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Snip off dead or damaged sections with clean cuts; avoid excessive removal of healthy tissue.
Pruning Plan
Minimal pruning; focus on removing dead or damaged parts to maintain health and aesthetics.
Tools
Sterile sharp scissors or small pruning shears.
Checklist
Use clean tools; remove dead parts; avoid over-pruning; sanitize tools after use.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Early spring, just before active growth begins.
Pot Size
One size up (e.g., from 4-inch to 5-inch pot); increase diameter more than depth.
Method
Gently remove plant; trim any dead roots; place in a slightly larger pot with fresh cactus mix; ensure good drainage.
Suggestions
Repot every 2–3 years or when roots fill the pot. Necessary to refresh soil and provide space.
Checklist
Choose right pot size; use fresh soil; ensure drainage; handle roots gently; water lightly after repotting.
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Check soil dryness; water deeply; ensure drainage; avoid summer watering; water in morning.
How to Apply Water Properly
Water directly at the soil level, avoiding the plant's leaves or body. Ensure water penetrates the root zone but does not pool. Allow excess water to drain completely. Water in the morning to allow foliage to dry before nightfall.
Watering Schedule Tips
Water sparingly during active growth (fall/winter), allowing soil to dry completely between waterings. Avoid watering entirely during summer dormancy (May–August).
Soil Improvement
Add perlite, coarse sand, or pumice to commercial cactus mix to enhance drainage and aeration.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Chlorosis or shriveling in cold; sunburn or scorching in excessive heat; stunted growth or bud drop.
Cold Stress
Low temperatures (below 40°F/4°C) can cause root rot or damage if soil remains moist. Dormancy requires dry, cool conditions.
Solution: Ensure soil is completely dry before cold periods; insulate pots from freezing temperatures; move indoors if temperatures drop below 40°F.
Hot Stress
Excessive heat (above 80°F/27°C) can cause dehydration, sunburn, or premature dormancy if not managed with proper light and water restrictions.
Solution: Provide shade during peak heat; ensure excellent ventilation; cease watering during summer dormancy; increase humidity slightly if indoors.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Use cactus fertilizer; dilute properly; apply during growth; skip dormancy.
Fertilizing Method
Use a diluted cactus fertilizer (half strength) once during fall/winter. Avoid fertilizing during dormancy (summer).
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
Non-toxicConophytum hians is not known to be toxic to cats. There are no reported cases of adverse effects from ingestion or contact with this plant.
⚡ Toxic If:
None
Dogs
Non-toxicConophytum hians is not known to be toxic to dogs. There are no reported cases of adverse effects from ingestion or contact with this plant.
⚡ Toxic If:
None
Humans
Non-toxicConophytum hians is not known to have any toxic effects on humans. It is generally considered safe for handling and consumption, though it is not typically ingested.
⚡ Toxic If:
None
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How often should I water Conophytum hians?
A: Water sparingly, only when the soil is completely dry, typically during the active growing season (fall and winter).
Q: Does Conophytum hians need direct sunlight?
A: It prefers bright, indirect light but can tolerate some direct morning sun.
Q: Why are the leaves of my Conophytum hians turning yellow?
A: Overwatering or poor drainage can cause yellowing leaves; ensure the plant is not sitting in water.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Aizoaceae |
| Care: | moderate |
| Light: | full sun to partial shade |
| Water: | every 2–3 weeks during activ |
Get Expert Care Tips
Download the Plantious app for personalized care reminders and plant identification!
Google Play App Store
