Lithopsis a genus of about 40 species of succulents in the Ice Plant family line , Aizoaceae . They are native to southernAfricaand generally establish in arid regions ofNamibia , South Africa , small bordering areas inBotswana , and southernAngola . The genus members are commonly have it away as Living Stones or Pebble Plants because they avoid being eat by animals by intermingle in with surrounding rock .
The genus was first described byWilliam John Burchellin 1811 free-base on the specimen discovered during a botanical expedition in southerly Africa . Although he called itMesembryanthemum turbiniforme , it is now synonymous withLithops hookeri .
The generic name " Lithops " derives from the Ancient Greek words " lithos , " meaning " gem , " and " ops , " meaning " face , " and refers to the Lucy Stone - same appearance of the plants . " Lithops " can be used in singular and plural form forms .
Private collection, Benicia, California, United States. Photo by Serecac Trebor. Used with permission. All rights reserved.
Lithopsare small , nearly acaulescent plant with one or more pairs of thick , fleshy , polar , almost commingle leaf . All plant look middling similar , differing in the shape , sizing , color , and texture of the dead body . They only grow from 0.5 to 1 inch ( 1.3 to 2.5 atomic number 96 ) tall and from 1 to 3 inches ( 2.5 to 7 cm ) wide in their native habitat . bloom and new leave arise from the meristem in between the leaves . The leaves are more or less buried below the soil ’s Earth’s surface , with only the translucent top surfaces seeable that allow light into the inner portion of the leaf for photosynthesis . In winter , each duet of leaf is substitute by a Modern pair . In spring , the old leaves slowly wither by on either side . blossom are daisy - like , often sweetly sweet-scented , unremarkably yellow-bellied or white , and seem after the new leaf twosome has matured . They open in the afternoon on cheery days , close again in the late afternoon , and last for 4 to 5 days .
Growing Conditions for Lithops
Lithopsare succulent that are easy to grow once you understand their basic needs . They make a lovely addition to any indoor and out-of-door John Rock garden .
Light
These plant have accommodate to intense sunlight in the wild , requiring a good amount of direct sunlight when growing indoors . A cheery windowsill where plants experience 4 to 5 hours of direct sun during the former part of the mean solar day and fond nuance during the afternoon is the perfect point to produce yourLithops . If they do not receive enough sunshine , Lithopswill start to produce slender and elongated and lose colour . You may place the pots on the balcony or in the garden from outpouring to fall down . To prevent tan , expose the industrial plant to sun gradually over several Clarence Day .
Soil
Lithopsthrive best in a growing spiritualist that will drain quickly . utilize a commercial-grade grime intermixture for succulent , ormake your own intermixture .
Temperature
gamey temperatures are not a trouble forLithopsas long as there is plenty of fresh air , but they are not cold - sturdy succulent . If you know in frigid areas where winter temperature drop below freezing , growingLithopsin containers that can be impart indoors is skillful .
Pot Size
Lithopsneed a enceinte pot than the plant size of it would indicate because they have an extensive root organization . Pots about 3 to 5 inches ( 7.5 to 12.5 atomic number 96 ) deep are recommended . Use only pots with drain hole in the bottom .
General Care for Lithops
Lithopsare easy to care for as long as they are provide with the right arise conditions .
Watering
Lithopshave a specific yearly growth cycle , and it is of the essence to water only during certain stage , but it is also important to keep the land dry at other microscope stage of their growing .
Here are some guidepost for you to follow , but commend , this may depart slightly from species to species .
How often you need towaterLithopsdepends on how cursorily the potting premix dries out . It is essential to let the soil dry out between waterings . Too much water can lead to ascendent waste or produce a fresh yoke of leaves at the wrong time of twelvemonth . Never waterLithopsdeeply when they are dormant .
Fertilizing
Lithopsdo not postulate to be fertilize . They will fly high without anyfeeding . If you feed , practice a plant food with high atomic number 19 and humble nitrogen stratum .
Repotting
Lithopswill happily abide in the same pot for several decades . The usual reason for repotting is to divide the plants or allow growing space for clusters . Repot only when theLithopsgrowing season starts . Be very measured not to damage the roots in the process . discredited roots can cause death to the plant .
How to Propagate Lithops
Lithopsare most often originate from seed . If you have multi - headed plants , they can also be broadcast by segmentation .
Seeds
Saw the seeds during the summer in a pot with a commercial-grade source growing intermixture or well - drained soil mix . Cover the source with a very thin stratum of hunky-dory moxie . Place the wad in a sunny spot and keep the stain moist until the seed germinate . The first seeds will germinate in a few weeks but do not expect all to evolve at the same time . Some cum can take up to a year to germinate . trim watering bit by bit as the seedlings grow . When they are 2 to 3 calendar month old , give them about 5 hour of sunlight per day , and let the soil dry out out between waterings . The seedlings can be transplanted when they are about a yr onetime .
Division
If yourLithopshas grown into a cluster , it can be propagated by class . Remove the flora from its pot , cautiously switch off through the tooth root , and replant the head in individual pot .
Pests and Diseases of Lithops
Overwateringis the most common cause ofLithopsfailure . They may get a few pest and several fungal disease .
Pests
wanderer mitesonLithopsare a coarse pest problem . They thrive in ironical environments and usually exist in the fissure between the leaves or between the quondam and new leave . pocket-size pale position on the leaves are the first seeable symptom of a wanderer mite job . It is operose to get rid of wanderer mite , but it is not unsufferable .
sequestrate the infested plant away from other plants . Spray the leaves with press water to dislodge some of the spider mite . Neem oil color is quite effective against spider mites . Insecticidal soap is also used to control spider mites .
scale , mealybugs , aphid , and moisture gnats also at times attackLithops .
Diseases
The most common plant diseases typically have little to no impingement onLithops .
Toxicity of Lithops
Lithopsare non - toxic and good to have around nipper and pets . There are even some consultation to African youngster eating these plants to quench their hungriness .
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