Conophytum calculus

A spherical, pebble-like Conophytum of the Knersvlakte quartz fields of South Africa's Western Cape, with a subspecies (vanzylii) in Bushmanland further north. It grows in the cool winter months and is dormant through the hot summer, flowering at night in autumn. Give it strong light, a very gritty mix and water mainly from autumn to spring.

At home, aim for

Day Cool-growingTargets in Plantistry

Night Close to the dayTargets in Plantistry

Humidity Dry airBand in Plantistry

Light Full sunDLI and PPFD in Plantistry

Expects a seasonal restGrows in the ground

Where it grows wild

White quartz pebble fields of the Knersvlakte in a semi-arid winter-rainfall climate; the reflective quartz keeps the soil cooler under intense sun.

Recorded at 100 to 1,110 m, median 900 m (5 records); the main Knersvlakte sites are low, around 100 to 250 m.

Western CapeNorthern Cape

🔒 Growing it like that

The wild conditions above, turned into targets for a shelf, a tent or a greenhouse. The full profile has:

✓ Day and night temperature targets, and the limits it tolerates

✓ Humidity band, and how to hold it

✓ Light as DLI and PPFD for a grow light

✓ Wet and dry seasons, and whether to rest it

✓ Substrate and airflow

✓ A step-by-step setup to grow it like the wild

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Profiles are drafts built from measured range and climate and from published sources; each section carries its own confidence in the app.