If you have ever mistaken the stone life face live stones for rocks , then you are not the only one ! The lithops are a unequalled type of succulents that brag a stone - like appearance . However , they are a popular case of plant that is a favourite of many garden enthusiast for many understanding .
understand on to incur out why and how you’re able to also grow your share of living stone plants .
Table of Contents
An Overview of the Plant
Lithops are native to the southern regions of Africa and belong to to theAizoceaor the ice plant mob . They are lovingly calledpebble industrial plant , living endocarp , split rocks , andbutt plantsfor their visual aspect .
Interestingly , succulents are very cagey plants . In their natural environment , they camouflage with the surround color and pattern to mimic the look of stones . This blends them into their habitat , protecting them from getting eaten by animals .
In ecumenical , the plants are curt in height and hardly farm an inch taller than the soil they experience in . they develop only two leaves , which are very thick and resemble the crevice of an animal foot . The sometime leaves are replaced by a unexampled set each year , while the old stage set can be removed .
These plants are long - lived as well . In fact , you could expect them to live for up to 50 years – and even in the same container , thanks to its humble size .
They flower during fall and former winter , producing light icteric , white , or pale orangish flowers with multiple flower petal . The flowers would open during the sunny years and close again as the sunsets . The sizing of the flowers vary , depending on the agriculturalist and arise condition .
Some flowers are also scented . New leave start growing after the flowering operation is complete .
The Different Types of Lithops
Approximately 37 species and around 145 variety of succulents are present . It was initiallydiscovered by William Burchell , a trip artist , and accumulator of historic items in the Northern Cape state of South America . He pick it up , slip it for a rock – to find it a flora or else . Since then , several more type of lithops are on a regular basis pick up by the stock breeder .
related to article : Hoya Plant : The Ultimate Guide to Care and Maintenance for the Wax Plant
Some of the most plebeian ones admit :
Lithops Aucampiae
This variety of plant originates from South Africa . It is naturally grown in sandstone , quartzite , and ironstone - base soils . However , if you are growing it as a houseplant , you could use sandy and well - drain soils successfully as well .
When it comes to coming into court , the living stone is usually red to red - brownish in color . They raise pale yellow flowers that come out similar to daisies .
Lithops Dorothea
Discovered by Dorothea Huyssteen in South Africa , this species boasts vibrant patterns on the leaves that would convince you that they are painted rocks . It has a cream - color base with
Brown and red mite .
It bring out bright sensationalistic flush per year .
Lithops Fulviceps
Native to Namibia , the Fulviceps delight cool desert temperatures or rocky cragged areas . The leaves of this species are very similar to kidney beans and boast a greyish - green or yellowish - hue .
The Lithops Fulviceps produces flowers of chickenhearted or white coloring – look on the cultivator .
Lithops Hookeri
Lithops Hookeri is another South African Lucy Stone industrial plant . Unlike other lithops types , this species can grow quite large and usually forms clump of up to 10 folio pairs .
In coloring , the leaves can range from brownish to reddish - pinkish pure tone , with occasional speck of orange . At the same time , the side of the folio are dense grey or gray - brownness in coloring . The flowers are usually hopeful chicken .
Lithops Karasmontana
describe after the Karas Mountains in Namibia , this type of lithops camouflage the grey and dark-brown hues of local quartzite stones . The side are uniformly grey with tinges of brown , while it produces a brilliant white blossom with a sensationalistic center .
It can also be find in the southwestern neighborhood of South Africa .
Lithops Lesliei
The species is coarse in Botswana and the Northern Cape of South Africa . It is considered one of the most vibrant lithops for its coloring that ranges from hopeful green to deep rusty orangeness . The flower this plant bring about is typically yellow-bellied . However , clean bloom are also present in some cultivators .
The Leslei is almost stemless and is able to obliterate in the surrounding , better than other varieties . It sits very humiliated amongst the land as well , making it very thought-provoking to spot .
Lithops Localis
Native to the southern Karoo region of South Africa , the stone-face localis is uniformly gray or greenish - gray in color . It often grows amongst rock of same hue as a way to disguise itself from predators .
The lithops localis can digest inadequate watering drug abuse far better than other lithops types . It flowers ordinarily in the downfall season .
Lithops Optica
Native to Namibia , Optica is a good option if you are deal outside planting in area that experiences light winter rain .
This mintage has several variety with colours ranging from bright pink and purple to dumb shades of gray and brownish .
Lithops Pseudotruncatella
come from southwestern Africa , the pseudotruncatella feature an even hoary tone with leaf speckled with pick , olive green , and hoary hues .
Unfortunately , this is one of the few coinage which is regularly subjected to mealybug attacks . Other than that , the pseudotruncatella is a sturdy kind of living stone and can last for month without any lacrimation .
Lithops Ruschiorum
Strongly resemble a natural marble , this variety feature a cream discolour with tan or grayish mottling . It produces peak of yellow-bellied color and generally lives in the insensate and rough regions of the Namibia .
Lithops Salicola
The saltiness - dwelling living stone can be found in both Namibia and South Africa . It is extremely patient of of dry and cool temperatures . However , freezing conditions should be avoided for this species .
A recipient role of the Award of Garden Merit by theRoyal Horticultural Society , this variety of lithops is one of the easiest to grow as well . It bring forth bright white or yellow heyday during the late summertime or former fall .
Lithops Verruculosa
Coming from South Africa , this metal money of succulent is the most distinguishable from the rest due to the ‘ wart ’ it features . The diminutive growth roll in shades of red atop a grey - green cornerstone .
Some varieties of this plant produce pink flower , though yellow and white are the most common .
Lithops Viridis
Commonly have it off as the green rock plant , this metal money of lithops exhibit a uniform green colouration with a speck of pinko around the edges . The flowers are usually sensationalistic with a white center .
It is aboriginal to the Northern Cape of South Africa .
related to clause : Jasmine Plant : How to get and Care for the Plants
Lithops Plant Care
For the most part , Lithops are reasonably hardy and easy to care for . But there are a few guidelines that you should know when implant one in your home .
Light
In their natural surround , the lithops thrives in full sun . However , in the gardens or as a houseplant – 5 hour of full sunlight should be sufficient for the flora .
However , if you are keeping it indoors , ensure to place the container near a windowpane that receive bright spark during the daytime . verify to rotate the plant life from time to fourth dimension as well so each area get adequate amounts of light . Remember that failing to do so will result in a misshaped plant .
colour red can also pass if your plant life is not getting enough lighting . alter its location if you find the leaves of the succulent fading or appearing less marked .
Temperature
The ideal temperature for grow the lithops is 65 degrees F to 80 academic degree F. they can not tolerate freezing temperature and suffice well in areas falling in USDA Hardiness Zone 10a to 11b .
Humidity
stoneface are able to tolerate humidity in pocket-sized amounts as it absorbs moisture from the air to fulfill its water system requirements . However , consistent humidity can cause problem for the plants . This is why make certain to avoid keep the succulent in areas that get high humidness , such as bathroom and kitchens .
related to article : Dragon Fruit Tree 101 : Your Complete Care Guide
Water
In their natural habitat , living stone be in extreme drought - corresponding conditions in the domain that gets very footling rainfall . Due to this , you may well get away with some neglect when it come to water the pebble plant .
Moreover , its overweight leaves are filled with wet to assist the flora survive when extraneous reservoir of water are not available .
In most cases , however , the watering schedule should vary according to the season . During the grow time of year , water the flora slightly every two weeks – or when the grunge appears dried out .
Most stone life face living I. F. Stone go into the dormancy stage during the wintertime season so it ’s best to avoid watering during this time .
Always call up that overwatering is a mum killer of the succulents and it ’s ideal that you hold back on the water as much as possible .
Keep an center on the rain if you have planted them outside as well . If your specific sphere feel long periods of rain and storms , I suggest bringing them indoors to keep it from getting too much water .
Lithops Soil
When they are in their natural habitats , the stone life face soil is basically sand and other natural material that does not retain water .
At menage , I ordinarily favour plan the lithops in the cactus premix . you could also try your hired hand at a DIY filth mix by blend in half potting dirt with half sand .
As I mentioned above , overwatering is a stern no - no for the succulent . So check that any growing metier you use has the power to drain speedily .
Fertilizer
Lithops are in the main non - fussy plants and can thrive utterly well without being fed . But if you need , you’re able to add a footling fertilizer to their soil just before their flowering point to help them produce self-aggrandizing and well flowers .
you’re able to also select a fertiliser with high potassium subject matter to boost blooming . However , make certain to take care as the plant can burn very easily . And if you are unsure about the cognitive content of the fertilizer , I indicate that you have it be without it .
Repotting
Repotting is rarified for lithops and you could happily keep them in the same container for years – even decades .
The only reason to repot them is for generation or to interchange their container . But disregarding of the understanding , if you do decide to repot , I suggest that you be very careful with the root system . The taproots of the succulent are very sensitive and an essential component of the plant ’s survival . Any wrong to the roots can cause the plant life to die
Pruning
Pruning is another part of lithops care that you do n’t have to occupy about when it comes to lithops . When the unexampled leaves erupt , the set of old leaves eventually slough off on their own – save you from the hassle .
related to clause : How to Care for a Rose of Jericho Plant
Lithops Propagation
Many gardener favor propagate flowering stone from the seed . To do this , you simply prepare a pot with the recommended ground and scatter the seminal fluid over the surface . Cover the same with a fine layer of sand and keep it lightly dampish until germination happen .
On the other helping hand , living stone propagation can be done via section . Carefully remove one bunch of industrial plant from the commode . Use a sterilize razor blade to neatly take away the leaf pairs with a unspoilt amount of taproot attach .
Repot the flora as suggested above .
related to article : Your Step - By - Step Guide to Growing the Elephant Ear Plant
Problems with Lithops Living Stones
Most of the problems associate with the plant come from overwatering . As long as you keep the water spirit level at a lower limit , your attractive foliage will last you for many decades .
But yes , there are some plague and disease that you need to be careful of when growing any variety of lithops . Some coarse problems include :
Growing Problems
The living Isidor Feinstein Stone demand visible light to boom . If you find the plant stretch and buckle to reach sunlight – instead of lie compressed on the land aerofoil , chance are your succulent are getting very less light .
The leaves of these plants may also become wrinkly if they become dehydrated . If you rule them shriveling up at any time during the class , its best to give it some light sprinkle and it will revive back in 2 -3 days .
However , your plant is going through the regrowth stage if see scrapes of snowy or browned – like the scratches on human peel . The scars will remain on the leaves until a young one come out . Ultimately , the sometime leaf will shrivel up and wither off .
Pests
Similarly , pest usually shy off from the lithops on most social function . Except a few such as wanderer mites , mealybug , and aphid .
wanderer tinge are the most common when it total to infecting flowering stone . They usually hide in the crevices between two parting and induce white spots on the works .
A lite nebuliser of water is usually enough to remove the buggers off . you could also spray the surface with a dependable mite control condition product or insecticidal soap .
Interestingly , mice may find your stone-face a great concealing position . They may also jaw a good portion of the plant if you do n’t remark . To ensure auspices , I usually keep a few mouse trap around the plant . extend the lithops with lite interlocking wearable if you are preserve them outdoors .
Diseases
Generally , the lithops are just affected by disease . The only problem they are susceptible to is rots – stimulate by overwatering .
Excessive lachrymation can break the fleshy leave , have them vulnerable to bacterial infection . Scrapes or cuts on the leaf from any incident can also put them at peril .
Toxicity
The handsome worry most homegardeners have regarding new plantsis if it is toxicant . When it comes to stone plant , many people have admitted to chewing the leaves in Namibia so it ’s unconvincing to be toxic .
The ASPCA has also marked them as non - toxic for dogs and cats .
However , whether or not you adjudicate to nibble on the plant – remember that any spray you have used on the leaves may potentially be poisonous . So , it ’s best to keep children and pets out from the leave if you have concern .
Ready to Grow
Now that you know all about the succulent beauties , why not implant some of your own ? As you’re able to see , they are super - easy togrow and requirehardly any sustainment . So give it a try and do n’t forget to share your experience with us .
