Wondering How to Grow Lips Plant at home? Here’s everything you need to know about Conophytum pageae Care!
Description
Native to Southern Namibia and South Africa, Conophytum has a compact growing habit and spreads horizontally around 3 feet wide, displaying a dense cluster.
Daisy-like flowers appear anytime between autumn to early summer from the center and can be found in hues of pink or white. Conophytums look stunning when they bloom together.
How to grow Conophytum Pageae
The best way to propagate Conophytums is by dividing a multi-headed plant. However you may also grow them from seeds, but the process needs considerable time.
Detach a multi-headed plant carefully from the ground.
Divide the individual heads and roots carefully using a sharp, sterilized knife.
Now, tuck each cutting into a container filled with loamy, porous soil.
You’ll find new specimens within 3-4 weeks.
How to care for Conophytum Pageae
Sunlight
Most Conophytums require bright light. Place them in a spot that receives 4-5 hours of the bright morning sun. However, long exposure to the scorching afternoon sun might shrivel them.
Soil
This species thrives best in loamy, porous soil that drains away rapidly. You can use a good-quality potting mix designed for succulents or cacti. Alternatively, amend the soil with perlite, gravel, coarse sand, or birch chip to maintain the texture. Also, make sure the soil is not very rich in nutrients.
Water
Conophytum pageae does not like to sit in water. Therefore, saturate the soil deeply but only when the growing medium looks completely dry. Watering it once in 3-4 days would be just fine. Also, avoid overhead watering or wetting the foliage.
Temperature
Conophytums can work well in high temperatures but can face shock if the temperature falls below 32°F or 0°C. It is best to grow this species indoors in containers if you live in a colder zone, especially in freezing winters.
Fertilizer
Conophytum is a light feeder and does not require any fertilization unless it is repotted once every 2-4 years. Use a balanced fertilizer and dilute it to half or quarter strength.
Feeding the plant at the beginning of the growing period and right before they begin to flower, is best.
Re-potting
This plant can gain from repotting once every 2-4 years, depending on the growth rate, pot size, and variety. It is best to re-pot a Conophytum pageae when you see it getting crowded.
Pest and Diseases
Be careful of mealybugs, snails, slugs, and caterpillars. Use insecticidal soap to keep them at bay. It is best to remove dead flowers and old sheaths once the new leaves have broken to prevent Botrytis.
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