Lithops, also known as living stones, are a genus of succulent plants native to southern Africa. They are named for their stone-like appearance and are commonly used as ornamental plants. Lithops are low-growing and have fleshy leaves that store water. They flower in the fall, producing yellow, white, or pink flowers.
Is it easy to grow Lithops plant? While not all Lithops are easy to grow, many are. They are small, slow-growing, and require very little attention. They are perfect for those who want to add a little something special to their gardens without having to put in a lot of work.
How big can it be? known as "living stones" or "flowering stones", they are small, succulent plants. Lithops are roughly The plants are mostly solitary, but can form clusters. They grow very slowly, and take several years to reach full size.
How fast is the growth? The Lithops plant is a very small, slow-growing succulent plant. It is native to Africa and can be found in the wild in countries such as Namibia, Botswana, and South Africa. The plant is also known as "living stones" because of its appearance. The plant's body is composed of two leaves that are thick and fleshy. The leaves are often brown or yellow in color and have spots or patterns that resemble stones. The plant flowers in the summer and the flowers are white or yellow.
| Plant Form | Succulent |
| Family | Aizoaceae |
| Origin | South Africa |
How long is the lifespan? The Lithops plant generally lives for about 15 years, with some plants living for up to 20 years. The plant grows best in well-drained soil and full sun, and does not require much water.
What is the ideal temperature? Since it is a succulent plant, it does not need much water. In the summer: room, although the plant tolerates heat, in winter it is preferable to cool wintering (+ 59-68 ° F), minimum temperature + 41 ° F. The plant is quite unpretentious, so it can be recommended to beginners in the field of flower growing.
What about the humidity? The Lithops plant is a small, perennial, succulent plant native to Southern Africa. They are also known as "living stones" because of their stone-like appearance. The plants are drought and heat tolerant, and can tolerate low humidity levels.
What amount of light this plant needed? So, the plant grows well in a bright sun, with some direct sunlight, in a south-facing window. If the plant is in the shade, it will not bloom, the branches will be weak, and the waxy plaque on the leaves will be weakly expressed.
What is good soil for Lithops? Since these plants are native to very dry areas, it is necessary to provide a drainage layer when grown in pots. The drainage layer can be made of expanded clay, gravel, or small pieces of broken clay pots. The soil mixture for Lithops should be light and permeable, with a small addition of sand. A good mixture for these plants can be made by mixing 1 part leaf land, 1 part pine bark, and 1 part coarse-grained sand or perlite. Peat should not be added to the mixture.
How much I must water Lithops? Sometimes, people think that they have to water their Lithops plant every day. This is not true. The top layer of soil between waterings in the summer should dry up. Water with soft water about every 10-15 days, in November and February once a month, in winter, do not water at all, and the leaves may even wrinkle. Over-watering is the main cause of plant death.
About fertilizer. Sometimes, people forget that Lithops are living plants that need to be fed and watered on a regular basis. For best results, feed a weak solution of fertilizer for cacti every 4 weeks during the summer months.
How to reproduce Lithops? The reason why people grow lithops is because of how they reproduce. Lithops reproduce by small fruits that are formed in the place of flowers. They also germinate quite easily which is another reason why people are drawn to this plant. It is recommended that you plant lithops in a container with a soil mixture that has good drainage. On top of the soil mixture, you should pour a layer of sand. Once you have done that, you should plant the seeds in the sand to a depth of 2 mm. After you have planted the seeds, you should water them regularly but be careful not to disturb the seeds. If the seeds are exposed to too much moisture, they will rot. When the seedlings reach a height of 3-5 mm, they can be transplanted. By autumn, the seedlings will usually take the form of an adult plant. A pair of adult leaves will develop from the first cotyledonous leaves. The seedling will grow for several years before it flowers.
Why Lithops won't bloom? The Lithops plant blooms large white, pink, or yellow flowers in the form of chamomile, single or paired. The plant blooms mainly in summer, from August to October.
How much I must water Lithops? Eventually, the lithops plant will outgrow its current pot. When this happens, it is time to transfer the plant to a new pot. This should be done in the spring, when the plant is growing rapidly. Choose a pot that is only slightly larger than the current pot. Be sure to use a pot with drainage holes, as lithops have deep root systems. When transferring the plant, be sure to cut off any stripped shoots.
How to care the plant? The reason why we love Lithops is because they are low-maintenance little plants. They are perfect for those who dont have a lot of time to care for their plants. Lithops grow in the desert and so they are used to surviving in hot and dry conditions. When caring for your Lithops, it is important to remember that less is more. Water your Lithops only when the soil is completely dry. If you water them too often, they will rot. Another important thing to remember is that Lithops need a lot of light. If you live in a place where the sun doesnt shine much, you can put your Lithops near a window.
What is the challenge when caring Lithops plant? known more often as "living stones". Due to the resemblance to the stones, they are often used in landscaping, but they are very capricious and require special care. They grow in the hot deserts of Africa. The natural color of lithops is beige-brown or yellow-brown with red, purple or brown spots. In the wild, these plants can live up to 100 years. Lithops is a plant that is most often affected by aphids, mealybugs, rootworms, and fruit mosquitoes. Root rot is possible with excessive watering, and the plant may cease to grow, with the leaves turning yellow and falling off. The leaves of this plant are small, and it requires a lot of light to grow properly.
Are Lithops poisonous? So, if you have pets or curious children in the home, its best to keep these succulents out of reach Lithops plants are usually not toxic to humans or animals. However, if ingested, they can cause stomach upset. So, if you have pets or curious children in the home, its best to keep these succulents out of reach.
