Conophytum minimum

Conophytum minimum is a tiny succulent in the Aizoaceae family. It comes from South Africa's Western Cape. It grows in dry shrubland or desert settings. This perennial grows in winter and rests in summer. Over time, its clumps form low mats or cushions. Plants stand about 0.1 feet [0.03 metres] tall. RHS gives an upper height and spread of 0.33 feet [0.1 metres]. Plants reach mature size in two to five years.

Each small body consists of a fused pair of leaves. The smooth surface ranges from grey-green to silvery blue-green. Red or dark green shades may cover parts of it. Dots can join into lines across the upper face. Some plants have few marks; others have bold patterns. The marks can darken to near-black during the resting season. A short cleft sits within a slight central hollow. The top may lie flat or form a low dome.

Small, scented flowers open at night. Their narrow petals give them a star-like shape. Most flowers look white, though some have pale yellow petals. RHS records flowers up to 0.07 feet [0.02 metres] across. Flowering starts in late summer and can extend through autumn. In European cultivation, LLIFLE records blooms from August to November. The fruit is a hygrochastic capsule, which opens when wet. Both the leaf patterns and flowers give this small plant ornamental value.

Grow it under glass with full light and low humidity. Use a potting mix that drains well. RHS suggests two parts loam with one part sharp sand. Add one part leaf mould to complete that mix. The plant accepts acid, neutral, or alkaline soil. Water lightly from late summer through early winter, then again in spring. Keep it dry during its late-spring to midsummer rest. Too much water can split the leaf surface and leave scars. RHS says it needs no extra fertiliser. Its H2 rating means it must avoid freezing.

This species suits a houseplant collection, greenhouse, or conservatory. It needs no pruning and has few reported disease problems. Aphids may attack it. Sow seed on the surface in late winter. Keep seed moist and shaded at 20–25°C. After germination, raise light levels and lower humidity over time. Another method is to separate whole bodies in late summer. These can then form roots.