What plant is Kongchan? A brief introduction to the characteristics of Kongchan, a member of the Aizoaceae family

Habits of Kongchan

Kongchan is a succulent plant in the genus Conophytum of the Aizoaceae family, and winter is its period of vigorous growth.

Kongchan is native to Namibia and South Africa and likes a warm, low-humidity, sunny environment. The most suitable temperature for growth is 17~25°C. During the growth period, place the plant in a bright spot for care and keep the potting soil slightly moist.

In summer, Kongchan is vulnerable to high temperatures and excessive moisture, so take care to shade it and cool it down in good time. In winter it fears the cold, so move it indoors for care.

Common propagation methods include sowing, cuttings and division.

Planting and care tips for Kongchan

Care tips for Kongchan

Watering: During the growing season (winter), keep the potting soil slightly moist; in summer, when temperatures are high and light is intense, reduce watering; after autumn begins and the weather turns a little cooler, appropriately increase the frequency of watering and keep the potting soil slightly moist. Spring is the leaf growth period, so avoid exposure to blazing sun and never let the potting soil become too wet.

Fertilizing: During the growth period, fertilize Kongchan once a month, using diluted cake fertilizer water or an organic fertilizer specially formulated for succulents.

Repotting: Repot once every two years, and when replanting, it is better to plant shallowly rather than deeply. After repotting, spread a layer of vermiculite or perlite on the surface to increase the soil's drainage.

Propagation methods for Kongchan

Sowing: Sow indoors in pots in 4~5 or 9~10, keeping the temperature at 18~24°C; seedlings sprout about 10 days after sowing.

Cuttings: In 5~6, cut plump fleshy spherical leaves, slice them from the top, leave them in a cool place until the wound is slightly dry, then insert them into a sand bed and keep the room temperature at 20~22°C; they will root 14~17 days after insertion.

Division: Plants more than 3 years old can be propagated by division. In spring, along with repotting, pull the offsets off the base of the mother plant and plant them separately in pots.

Suggested planting combinations: Lithops, Conophytum.