I’m pretty happy with most of my Conos, but one which always looks a little under par is Luckhoffii. I’ve three plants, they all seem to take much longer to get started every year, and all have patches which appear to have died off. I can’t work out whether they’re particularly prone to scorching or whether they need to be kept a little moist in the dormant season. The patches seem random so I’m wondering if I keep them too dry then. Any help gratefully received!
Thanks Peter
Conophytum Luckhoffii
Forum rules
For the discussion of topics related to the conservation, cultivation, propagation, exhibition & science of cacti & other succulents only.
Please respect all forum members opinions and if you can't make a civil reply, don't reply!
For the discussion of topics related to the conservation, cultivation, propagation, exhibition & science of cacti & other succulents only.
Please respect all forum members opinions and if you can't make a civil reply, don't reply!
-
- BCSS Member
- Posts: 202
- https://www.behance.net/kuchnie-warszawa
- Joined: 29 Sep 2018
- Branch: None
- Country: England
Conophytum Luckhoffii
Peter. Lapsed cactus enthusiast, now into Conophytums. Fewer plasters when repotting! MSG member.
- Ali Baba
- BCSS Member
- Posts: 2296
- Joined: 26 Dec 2007
- Branch: DOVER
- Country: UK
- Role within the BCSS: Member
Re: Conophytum Luckhoffii
You could restart it from cuttings. I had to do that with luckhoffii last year and it certainly reinvigorates it.
- conolady
- BCSS Member
- Posts: 199
- Joined: 15 Oct 2018
- Branch: EXETER
- Country: UK
- Role within the BCSS: Member
Re: Conophytum Luckhoffii
Yes, I'd restart with a few cuttings, but, for the future, I'd keep it lightly watered and in the shade during the summer rest. I do that now with all my small headed conos and it works well. I'm sure the random dying off is due to drought and scorch.
First it was orchids, then, since c.2001, cacti and succulents. I'm into South African plants, mainly conos, lithops and haworthias, with a few cacti, especially 'posh' mamms, turbs and other smalls. Now it’s stapeliads as well...
-
- BCSS Member
- Posts: 202
- Joined: 29 Sep 2018
- Branch: None
- Country: England
Re: Conophytum Luckhoffii
Thanks both. More water and shade next time it is then! I’ll divide the worst plant and start off a tray of cuttings as well.
Peter. Lapsed cactus enthusiast, now into Conophytums. Fewer plasters when repotting! MSG member.
Re: Conophytum Luckhoffii
I suspect too that the problem is caused by an excess of summer sun, so perhaps a bit more shade. I do not water any of my conos during the dormant period but do start them into growth fairly early these days, usually in the second half of July unless the night temperatures are very high as last year. I then hold off until it cools a bit. The Minuscula section, to which this species belongs, does tend to take a bit longer than others to get into growth.
Do not try to take cuttings now, it is a bit too late to get them established before the warmer weather. Wait until September.
Do not try to take cuttings now, it is a bit too late to get them established before the warmer weather. Wait until September.
-
- BCSS Member
- Posts: 202
- Joined: 29 Sep 2018
- Branch: None
- Country: England
Re: Conophytum Luckhoffii
Thanks Terry
Peter. Lapsed cactus enthusiast, now into Conophytums. Fewer plasters when repotting! MSG member.
- ChrisR
- BCSS Member
- Posts: 2054
- Joined: 11 Jan 2007
- Branch: SHEFFIELD
- Country: England
- Role within the BCSS: Member
- Location: Sheffield, UK
Re: Conophytum Luckhoffii
There are now many forms of C.luckhoffi in cultivation and some are neater growing than others. A paricularly untidy form with me is Baboon Point.....nicer ones are Skerpheuwal, Eagle's Pride and Matjiesrivier.
Chris Rodgerson- Sheffield UK BCSS 27098
See www.conophytum.com for ca.4000 photos and growing info on Conophytum, Crassula & Adromischus.
See www.conophytum.com for ca.4000 photos and growing info on Conophytum, Crassula & Adromischus.
- Tina
- BCSS Member
- Posts: 7041
- Joined: 11 Jan 2007
- Branch: NORTHAMPTON & MILTON KEYNES
- Country: England
- Role within the BCSS: Member
- Location: BUCKINGHAMSHIRE
Re: Conophytum Luckhoffii
Cor, I prefer the untidy form,lovely
Tina
varied collection of succulents and cacti but I especially like Euphorbia's, Ariocarpus and variegated agaves.
Bucks, UK
Branch co-ordinator, Northants & MK BCSS https://northants.bcss.org.uk
BCSS Talk team member, contact me- BCSS.Talk@Gmail.com if you want to volunteer or suggest a speaker plz.
varied collection of succulents and cacti but I especially like Euphorbia's, Ariocarpus and variegated agaves.
Bucks, UK
Branch co-ordinator, Northants & MK BCSS https://northants.bcss.org.uk
BCSS Talk team member, contact me- BCSS.Talk@Gmail.com if you want to volunteer or suggest a speaker plz.
-
- BCSS Member
- Posts: 202
- Joined: 29 Sep 2018
- Branch: None
- Country: England
Re: Conophytum Luckhoffii
That’s a beauty, Chris!
Peter. Lapsed cactus enthusiast, now into Conophytums. Fewer plasters when repotting! MSG member.