My first Conophytum, I got them in the winter. Now it’s full spring, and I’m afraid it might be too soon for them to go into dormancy. Or maybe this one is already dead. I stopped watering after it stopped hydrating and started changing colors. So I ask is dead or not?
by haunyed
3 Comments
Im no expert but it looks completely shriveled, and not just the outer sheath sort of way. I’m guessing you’re in the southern hemisphere? Shouldn’t be going into dormancy just quite yet so it is just a bit soon. Hopefully someone with more knowledge could chime in.
If it never had a problem storing water and the roots are good, it may just be dormant.. I still water lightly during dormancy maybe once every two weeks or longer. You’ll just have to wait a few months to see if it’s still kicking.
You wacky southern hemisphere people!
Sorry, just had to get that out of my system. Totally jealous of guys.
Some conophytum can get really ugly like that. I’d be way too tempted to peek inside one and see if I can find some green, firm leaves in there.
If it’s squishy all around and has a smell or crispy feel throughout, it may be dead 💀
Usually fall to spring in the southern hemisphere would be their growing season, so Oct to Feb for you is when they’d start to go dormant
This is wrecking my Dyslexia and AuDD LOL!
So TL;DR
Gentle squeeze and see if you feel any firmness, if so yay! Alive and going to bed
If the squish is more like brittle leaves falling away and hollow, well… this was a great learning opportunity for next time! Worst case scenario you just let them be and see what happens in fall. Remember they are slow and won’t suddenly start their grow up glow up, so it may be months before they show signs of life
I’m not an expert but I have had mesembs and have lithops.
Hope this helps out! Or if I’m wrong, someone corrects me! Pretty sure I got the basics there for ya