Grow Light for Conophytum: Tiny Mesembs and Their Rest Periods
A grow light for conophytum helps these tiny mesembs through the short days when they grow. They come from winter rain areas of South Africa and Namibia.
The short answer
Conophytum grows in autumn and winter and rests dry in summer. Give it bright light during growth with a grow light within 12 inches for 12 to 16 hours. The Henry Shaw Cactus and Succulent Society says to shade it from summer heat. Water mainly from October to March.
How much light does conophytum need?
The Henry Shaw Cactus and Succulent Society calls conophytums slow growing sun loving plants. It notes they need shade from hot summer sun. Iowa State says low light gives tall pale growth in succulents. NC State notes the same stretching in lithops from the same ice plant family.
Give it a bright window in the cool season and shade in summer. A grow light fills in short days.
How close should the light be?
In the growing season, Minnesota Extension suggests cool white or daylight fluorescent tubes 6 to 12 inches above succulents for 14 to 16 hours. Iowa State’s range is 12 to 16 hours on a timer, with an LED or fluorescent light within 12 inches. Minnesota Extension’s lighting page puts flowering houseplants 6 to 12 inches away and notes LEDs give off little heat.
| Option | What it does | Source |
|---|---|---|
| LED panel | Low heat | Lighting for indoor plants and starting seeds, UMN Extension |
| Fluorescent tube | 6 to 12 inches above the plants | Cacti and succulents, UMN Extension (houseplants) |
| Timer | Runs 12 to 16 hours each day | Common Problems and Issues of Succulents, Iowa State University Extension and Outreach Yard and Garden |
How does light fit with their rest period?
The Henry Shaw society says conophytums are dry and dormant in summer. New leaves appear in autumn when most species bloom. Most species want water between October and March. Growth continues through winter and some bloom before they rest in late spring.
It rests dry with shade in summer. New leaves and flowers come in autumn and it grows with water through winter.
Troubleshooting
Pale stretched growth: low light. Set the lamp nearer or give it more hours.
Brown or tan patches: too much light at once. Raise the lamp and change slowly.
Soft yellow growth: overwatering. Water less and let it dry.
Kind Seed Co shares these plant notes for growers of all kinds. For more on lighting see grow lights for cannabis and led light distance cannabis. Read grow light timers for timer setups. Browse cannabis seeds for our seed range.
Sources
- Conophytum (2006), Henry Shaw Cactus and Succulent Society
- Lithops (Living Stones), North Carolina Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox
- Common Problems and Issues of Succulents, Iowa State University Extension and Outreach Yard and Garden
- Lighting for indoor plants and starting seeds, UMN Extension
- Cacti and succulents, UMN Extension (houseplants)
FAQ
Why do conophytum shrivel in summer?
The Henry Shaw Cactus and Succulent Society says they are dry and dormant in summer. New leaves appear in autumn.
How many hours of light do they need?
Iowa State suggests 12 to 16 hours a day for succulents under grow lights.
Do conophytum flower?
Yes. The Henry Shaw society says most species bloom in autumn. Some fragrant species bloom at night.
Can conophytum grow on a windowsill?
Minnesota Extension suggests a bright sunny window for succulents. The Henry Shaw society adds shade from hot summer sun.
When should you water conophytum?
The Henry Shaw society says most species want water between October and March.
