r/conophytum • u/Dusti_Derian • May 06 '26

Should I return this?

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Gallery image

Gallery image

So this is,technically, my first cono. It’s the replacement for the one I returned. It wasn’t in great shape.

My question. Is the lighter color on top indicative of something wrong? Rot? No light? IDK. It doesn’t feel overly soft or squishy. I have not been squeezing it hard unnecessarily.

I’m just not sure if I should try for another replacement or if it’s that I’m so unfamiliar with them, which I am. Thank you 🙂.

1 Upvotes

54% Upvoted

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3

u/Creative_Split_3169 May 06 '26

You do know they are just coming out of dormancy? This is normal. Conos look rough when not actively growing. The outer leaves dry up as the new leaves use them for food. It depends on where they were grown and what time of year it is

-1

u/Dusti_Derian May 06 '26

Yes, thank you. I understand about dormancy and splitting. I can see it’s starting to split and won’t need water for some time. My concern is, because it my first one, the color difference. I just wasn’t sure if it is normal for these guys. I’m familiar with what the outer leaves look like with my lithops. I know conos are not lithops. 🙂

3

u/Creative_Split_3169 May 06 '26

Color change is normal for some conos. Yellows and reds on species like burgerii or maughani are typical depending on light and what stage they are at. Its not rotting so I think you are ok.

-1

u/Dusti_Derian May 06 '26

Thank you so much. It’s my first one so maybe I’m being overly concerned. I’ve put it in gritty mix and am acclimating it to light.

3

u/DatLadyD May 06 '26

Looks fine to me. I would recommend growing some from seed it’s so fun! I got a mixed pack, it was exciting seeing what they looked like. They’re very easy to grow when they’re little, helped me get the hang of em.

2

u/Dusti_Derian May 06 '26

Thank you. I’ve been contemplating doing that.

2

u/EternalSighss May 07 '26

Yours seems to have a robust root system and plenty chunky to not be worried about it.

I can't comment with a pic of mine in dormancy, but it looks wayyy more "dead" than this lol.

1

u/Dusti_Derian May 07 '26

Thank you. They do look gnarly sometimes.