What are the alternative names for Kongchan? A roundup of common aliases

The habits of Kongchan

Kongchan is a succulent of the genus Conophytum in the family Aizoaceae, 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, keep the plant in a bright spot for care, and keep the potting soil slightly moist.

Kongchan fears high temperatures and excessive moisture in summer, so take care to shade it and cool it down in good time. It fears cold in winter, 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 strong, reduce watering; after autumn begins and the weather turns slightly cooler, appropriately increase the frequency of watering to keep the potting soil slightly moist. Spring is the leaf growth period, so avoid exposing it to blazing sun, and avoid overly wet potting soil.

Fertilizing: during the growing period of Kongchan, fertilize once a month, using diluted cake fertilizer water or a special organic fertilizer 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 drainage of the soil.

Propagation methods for Kongchan

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

Cuttings: in 5~6, cut plump fleshy ball-shaped leaves, slice them from the top, leave them in a shady place until the wound is slightly dry, then insert them into a sand bed, keeping 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, twist off the offsets from the base of the mother plant and plant them separately in pots.

Suggested planting combinations: Lithops, Conophytum.