Photo: Charleen BrunkeCC BY 4.0via iNaturalistresized / cropped
Conophytum Plant Care
Conophytum bilobum (Marloth) N.E.Br.
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
This plant's leaves are thick and bilobed, resembling a pair of green lips. Originating from South Africa, Conophytum bilobum is highly sought after by plant collectors for its unique appearance and ability to thrive in arid conditions. Its striking leaf shape and vibrant green color make it a standout addition to any collection.
Full sun to partial shade
At a glance
How do you care for Conophytum?
Conophytum grows best in full sun to partial shade.
Where Is the Conophytum Native To?
What Is the Conophytum?
Conophytum (Conophytum bilobum) belongs to the Aizoaceae family within the Conophytum genus. Conophytum is native to southern South Africa. Conophytum is also known as Cone Plant, Living Pebble.
Conophytum displays a low clumping succulent growth habit, reaching up to tall with a spread of approximately . Conophytum produces small daisy-like flowers in various colors like white, yellow, or pink.
What Light Does the Conophytum Need?
Conophytum thrives in full sun to partial shade.
Light Requirement
Full sun to partial shade
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Conophytum?
Sandy, well-draining soil mix with added perlite and coarse sand for good drainage. Good drainage is essential for Conophytum to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Do You Repot a Conophytum?
Repot every 2-3 years in early spring. Choose a pot one size larger than the current container, and ensure it has drainage holes to allow excess water to escape.
How Do You Propagate a Conophytum?
Conophytum can be propagated through seeds, division of offsets.
Is the Conophytum Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Conophytum, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Keep pets from chewing it as a precaution.
This is a general caution, not veterinary or medical advice. If your pet ate a plant, contact your vet or animal poison control.
See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.
What Pests and Diseases Affect the Conophytum?
Conophytum is susceptible to mealybugs, aphids, root mealybugs. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.
Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.
What USDA Hardiness Zone Does the Conophytum Need?
Conophytum grows outdoors in USDA Zone 10b – 11b. It survives winters down to planting zone 10b. Conophytum is native to southern South Africa. In cooler regions, grow Conophytum as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 10b – 11b
Keep exploring plants
Conophytum is one of many species covered in the complete plant care and identification guide, which groups plants by genus, attribute, and popularity.
It belongs to the Conophytum genus — compare its care with other Conophytum species on PlantoScan.
Conophytum is part of the Aizoaceae plant family — browse all Aizoaceae genera and species.
Conophytum thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.
Related Plant Care Guides
Closely related plants with similar care requirements:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Conophytum bilobum (Marloth) N.E.Br., family Aizoaceae (first published in in Gard. Chron., ser. 3, 72: 83. 1922.) — World Flora Online record, Wikidata.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Conophytum, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Checked against the ASPCA plant list; any other toxicity note on this page comes from PlantoScan's plant database.
- Photo: Charleen Brunke, CC BY 4.0, iNaturalist — original.
- Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 10b – 11b, estimated from the plant's typical growing conditions.
- Care values(watering, light, temperature, humidity, soil, fertilizing): PlantoScan's plant database, filtered by automatic plausibility checks — values that fail them are hidden. How we source and check plant data.
Spotted a mistake? Email info@upvision.media with the page link — we check and correct reported errors.
Identify Plants Like the
Conophytum Instantly
Scan any plant with your phone camera and get instant ID, care tips, water and fertilizer reminders, and health checks — all in one app.
Free
to download
iOS & Android
platforms
Light & dark
mode
100,000+
species