Watering and feeding
The intensity of watering in this case depends very much on the specific time of the year. It should be noted that the intensity of watering in this case depends very much on the specific time of the year. After all, "live stones" should be watered much less frequently than most indoor plants - during the active period it is better to do this about once every two to four weeks. Lithops, in turn, are at rest from a later period, because they do not receive water from the end of January to the beginning of May. Just do not let it bother you that the leaves of Lithops begin to wrinkle in winter - neither they nor the konophytums should be watered. After all, this is a completely natural process, and not an indicator of any lack of moisture, which urgently needs to be replenished. During their growth, about once every three weeks, the plants should be fed with a special fertilizer designed for cacti. Land for all the same cacti will also do, since it is freely sold in the appropriate stores. At the same time, here you need to add another twenty percent of coarse quartz sand.
Plants of this type reproduce quite easily by seeds.
Update periods
Most of the leaves do not live for more than two years. Other species already have a shorter period of reddening, which lasts for several weeks. Many leafy ones during the dormant period are very clear, stopping in growth. At the very beginning of the growing season, which usually occurs in autumn, the plants renew their green color, doing this intensively.
In the event that a new pair of leaves emerges from the stem, it grows very quickly, while later pairs follow it, located in a cruciform path. Then the next pair forms a branch and its semblance, as a result of which flowers with fruits appear.
Old age in this species passes through the stems and roots, and not through leaf pairs or bodies, which are renewed at least once a year. Most of the leaves do not live for more than two years, because after this period they simply wrinkle, eventually turning into a brown skin. As for the stems, on the contrary, they are almost always hardy, gradually becoming larger in length and thickness, without losing strength in this case. As a result, they simply become too thick and lignified, painfully feel the sun's rays and the slightest mechanical damage. However, this state in itself serves as an actual source of youth, because it is precisely during this period that you can safely divide the stem into several segments and root them.
Earthen mixtures are used as a sure means for caring for "living stones"
Growing lithops at home
Despite the outward exoticism, living stones do not require special care.
However, some rules are best followed.
Lithops, like deciduous trees, "shed" old foliage and grow new ones. Young leaves emerge from the same "break" as the peduncle, and, as they develop, eventually completely replace the old ones, which dry up and fall off. This is the natural developmental cycle of the lithops.
In the store, the plant is sold together with a briquette of peat mixture. This is not a suitable soil for lithops, whose natural habitat: quartz-granite rock, exposed to the hot African sun. Therefore, the peat mixture must be carefully removed, trying not to damage the roots. In young lithops, they are very fragile.
Before planting, be sure to check for damage to the root collar.
Dimorphic flowers and their cultivation from seeds, and their further care.
The rules for growing cleoma flowers can be read on our website here.
If the plant was "overwatered" in the store, then the root must first be dried so as not to rot.
What kind of soil will live stones "like"
The soil is suitable for lithops, as well as for cacti.
Even a specialty store may not have Lithops mix. In this case, calmly use the soil for the cacti. Or prepare the soil mixture yourself according to the recipe: 1/1/1/2, where 1 part is a mixture of clay with turf, 1 is leaf humus, 1 is fragments of bricks and 2 is coarse sand.
Watering
The birthplace of "living stones" is an arid desert, so their need for water is minimal. If an absent-minded florist forgets about his pets for a couple of months, they will survive it. But from abundant watering they will quickly die.
Lithops need water mainly during the period when young leaves are formed, and even then it is enough to add it to the pan and spray the plants from time to time. In winter, when lithops have a "dormant period" (usually from January to March), watering is not needed at all.
Top dressing
It is only needed if the plants have not been transplanted for more than two years. But even then, it is enough to feed them with fertilizer for cacti twice a year (in early spring and early autumn). The dose indicated on the package must be halved.
Site selection and lighting
Lithops are best placed on lighted windows.
If your house has a window that faces the sunny side, then its window sill will just be the most suitable place for lithops: as much natural light as possible, as close to the glass as possible. In winter, African plants will miss the sun. To help them, place a fluorescent lamp about 15 cm above the pots.
Temperature and humidity
The desert is a place where intense heat gives way to cold. Plants are used to this, so that no temperature fluctuations inside the room will seem extreme to them. Unless, of course, the fantasy occurs to you to put them on the balcony in winter. However, if the balcony is glazed and insulated, and the temperature there does not drop below + 5, then this will not be fatal. But the excess moisture is guaranteed to kill them.
There is no need to trim live stones.
Transfer
Lithops are transplanted every two to three years, when young leaves appear. But if you have just purchased a plant, you need to transplant it right away, regardless of the season and the state of the flower, for the reasons already mentioned above.
How to choose the right pot
You can plant lithops in a separate pot, no more than 10 centimeters in diameter, but deep enough (the roots of these plants do not spread along the top, but go deeper).
A lithops pot is best selected deep.
But it's better to make a lithops mix. Live pebbles are community plants and love company. In nature, they grow in colonies, like mushrooms. Lithops will feel great together with senecio repens, oscularia, bastard, rebutia, echinopsis. When creating a "rock garden", be guided by the fact that other plants do not obscure the sun for the lithops.
In this case, only neighboring plants will need to be watered, and the lithops will have enough of the water that seeps out from the sides.
When lithops grows alone, it is quite difficult not to over-water the flower. And in the "kindergarten" he will take as much moisture as he needs.
There is one more important point: in the "garden", as a rule, the earth at the roots breathes, and the risk that the root system will rot is minimal.
General information
The plant is a perennial succulent. Its root system is highly developed, and exceeds the size of the terrestrial part of the flower. This is due to the fact that in nature the flower has to cling tightly to rocks and placers of stones.
There are two thick, small leaves above the soil. They have a hard, dense structure. The appearance resembles a stone. Since in the desert any green plant runs the risk of being quickly eaten, such forms help the succulent to camouflage. From a distance they are quite suitable for pebbles.
Fleshy leaves grow up to 5 cm high.Divided across by a hollow line and slightly separated on the sides. The main colors are gray, lilac, brown, gray-green. The color of the leaves sometimes has a small relief pattern of winding lines.
In August, the distance between the two halves begins to increase slightly. A flower is formed, which outwardly and in structure resemble the buds of cacti. The color is usually white, yellow or pink. The flowering period is up to 14 days. When the flower opens, it is often larger than the leaves themselves.
Variety of species
The genus includes nearly 40 varieties. Homemade lithops, as a rule, are presented on store shelves in a rather meager assortment. Therefore, amateurs look for interesting specimens on thematic forums and online stores. Some people practice growing lithops from seeds. But more on that below.
Optics
The leaves of this succulent variety are separated from each other almost to the base. They have an oval shape. They are reddish or greenish in color. The plant is no more than 2 cm high.
Lithops Optics
Olive green
Lithops has dense bluish-green leaves. In diameter, no more than two centimeters. The upper part has whitish dots. Flowering begins in early September. Light yellow flowers appear.
Lithops Aucamp
An unusual type of flower. Its leaves are brown in color. Diameter up to 4 cm. For this succulent, this is a fairly large specimen. On the upper surface, a relief pattern of a darker color is formed from various weaves. During flowering, it releases large yellow flowers. Their size is about 4 centimeters.
Lithops Aucamp
Marble
The succulent plant has a gray color and darker marble blotches on the surface of the leaves. Towards the top, the "pebbles" expand. The shape is smooth and round. This species blooms with white flowers up to 5 cm.
Leslie
Living stones ”-lithops of this species are very miniature. Not more than two centimeters in size. The leaves have a rich green color. They are decorated with intricate weave patterns on the top. It blooms with white buds with a pleasant aroma.
Lithops Leslie
Brownish
The halves of the leaves are in the shape of a cylinder. On the flat top there are dark specks on a brown background. Flowers are yellow and small in size.
Also in stores you can buy succulent Litops Fenestria and other types.
Plant life cycle
- The resting mode of the succulent occurs in June. In the homeland of the flower, a drought is just beginning. Therefore, watering the flower during this period is not watered. There is no need to moisten the soil. Only when the leaves begin to wrinkle slightly are the soil surface slightly moistened along the edges of the pot. For these purposes, you can use a spoon.
- At the end of August, lithops wakes up and comes to life. Watering is already becoming more abundant, but at the same time rare. You need to moisten the soil well. But next time you need to water the flower only when the soil is completely dried. By this time, the hollow between the leaves will become wider. A future flower can be seen inside. When the succulent has faded, a new pair of leaves will appear in the hole.
- Lithops, the care of which requires compliance with watering and temperatures, significantly reduces its growth in November. Old leaves begin to dry out, and fresh shoots are clearly visible. During this life period, it is desirable to maintain the air within the range of 10 to 12 degrees Celsius. You no longer need to water the plant.
- Old leaves dry up completely by the end of winter. Young shoots take their place thoroughly. Have the same color scheme. Requires a smooth resumption of watering so that the plant has strength.
What lithops are, photos of living stones
There are more than 40 species of lithops in nature, but only 15 can be grown at home, and some of them are artificially bred hybrids.
So: what lithops can be grown at home:
Lithops Aucampiae
A plant with small, 2 - 3 cm, rounded leaves of green, brown or bluish shade with dark spots on the upper part. The "gap" between the leaves is deep. Lithops flower Aucamp is bright yellow, fluffy.
Photo. Lithops Aucampiae
Lithops Lesliei
Small, about a centimeter and a half leaves, usually brown with a pinkish, gray or white tint. But there are also red-greens. These babies bloom with large, 5 cm, yellow flowers and slightly, smell nice.
Photo. Lithops Aucampiae
Lithops Marmorata
Similar to Leslie's lithops, but the color of the leaves is gray with a bluish tint, and the pattern on them resembles veins on marble, hence the name. It blooms with the same large but white flowers.
Photo. Lithops Marmorata
Lithops Optica
Tall, up to 2 cm, rounded leaves of very different colors: from greenish-gray to crimson. Deep gap between leaves. The flowers are white, small, chamomile-like.
Photo. Lithops Optica
Lithops Olivaceae
Tall, rounded olive-colored leaves with a pattern of white streaks and specks on top. The flowers are yellow and slightly shaggy.
Photo. Lithops Optica
What is Lithops Mix
As the name implies, this is a mixture of either different varieties of lithops, or from "living stones" and other succulents. Tastefully selected, it looks very stylish and will be a true decoration of the interior.
Description
The name "lithops" comes from the combination of two words of the Greek language, translated as "stone" and "appearance, image". Literally translated, "the appearance of a stone" is obtained. In modern language, the second name of the plant is "living stones". The Greeks gave this name to small flowers for a reason. In appearance, they look like small flat pebbles.
This appearance was formed in the process of evolution, since the "stone" grows in harsh desert conditions, where everything that cannot protect itself or disguise itself as the environment is eaten. Lithops are practically indistinguishable from stones, and it is possible to recognize a plant in a small pebble only during the flowering period, when a flower blooms in the middle of the "pebble", in the hollow between two thick leaves.
The flower has two parts - aboveground (outer) and root. The aerial part consists of two large thick petals, which form two halves of one whole. It is the connecting petals that give the plant the resemblance to a small pebble. The leaves are porous to make it easier to store moisture and sunlight in case of a dry season. Also, with the help of pores, the process of plant photosynthesis takes place. For the same reason, the leaves are so massive, because the thicker this part, the more water can be accumulated in them.
A shallow crevice passes between the petals, from which a flower and new petals grow. The underground part of the plant consists only of the root. It is noteworthy that the root of these plants grows deeper and can reach several meters. The maximum plant size, both in height and in width, can be up to 5 centimeters. The color of the inflorescence, the color and pattern of the petals, the aroma - it all depends on the type of flower, on its habitat, therefore, the description of the color of the plant will depend mainly on which subspecies you choose for yourself.
Despite the fact that lithops are very beautiful, it is worth remembering that these exotic succulents are poisonous and not edible, which means they need to be protected from small children and pets.
When and how it blooms
The flowering process of these plants can look quite impressive. When they get ready to bloom, the cleft between the leaves begins to grow in size. Sometimes this happens literally before our eyes. Then a "tongue" appears from it - it is a sepal; it develops into a real flower in an average of two weeks from the moment of its first appearance.
Flowering period
It begins in late summer in most species, which is why it is so important to provide good lighting in August. However, there are plants with a later flowering period, which falls on the second half of autumn.
Interestingly, almost all species bloom by noon. In general, the flowering period for this plant lasts about a week, after which the succulents turn into stones again.
Description of succulent lithops
Lithops belongs to the mesembriantemic (aizovy) family. The homeland of the plant is Southwest Africa. Grows wild in sandy and rocky deserts.
Lithops is a mystery plant. The biology and "appearance" of the representatives of this species are so peculiar that they allow them to survive in such conditions where nothing else grows. For example, they are distinguished by a peculiar growth. In the spring, the shell of the plant cracks, the old leaves are discarded, and a pair of exactly the same ones comes out to the surface, which is very similar to the process of molting in snakes. Plants of different ages do not differ in size.
About 80 species of this genus are common in the deserts of South and South-West Africa. The average summer temperature (January) in the places where lithops grows ranges from 19 to 25 ° C. In winter (July) it drops to 10-13 ° C. The patronizing color of the leaves, reminiscent of limestone or granite stones, makes them invisible among the surrounding substrate. Hence the name of the genus: in Greek. litho - stone, ops-like, or the popular name - "living stones". During droughts in nature, the contractile roots of lithops pull them into the soil, so that only the upper truncated part of the leaf remains on the surface.
Lithops (Lithops) - living stones or split stones - a plant of the Iazoon family. This is one of the most extraordinary succulents, a plant very similar to pebbles. In the spring, leaves break through from the crack of the pebble, and in the fall flowers appear from the crack.
As you can see in the photo, live lithops stones of different varieties differ in appearance:
Some pebbles are brown with reddish blotches and yellow flowers, others are gray-beige with white fragrant flowers
Lithops flowers-stones are small stemless highly succulent plants with 2-3 or more leaves grown together at the base that a stem up to 20-30 mm high is formed, rounded or cylindrical. Its top is divided into two parts by a shallow or deeper slit (hence the flower appears), conical, convex or flat, dotted with patterns and multi-colored. The stem of the lithops cactus reaches 20-30 mm in height and 20-27 mm in diameter. The color of the stem is different - the sides are faded in comparison with the marble, greenish-bluish, gray or brown top, which is often mottled with patterns. The leaves are very juicy, obversely shaped, the end of which is truncated and has a flat or slightly convex shape and a color and pattern characteristic of each species. A young plant consists of one pair of leaves that have grown together. With age, side shoots appear, and then you can count 4-6 pairs of leaves. Flowers on a flat pedicel without bracts (unlike conophytum), rather large (2.5-6 cm in
diameter), white or yellow, with numerous narrow petals. The fruit is a capsule that opens up under the influence of moisture.
Blooms in July-November, flowers open in the afternoon. During the growth period (from March to May), the next pair of leaves grows from the gap, the previous one (of which the trunk consisted) shrivels and gradually dries up.
In June-August, the plants rest. Growth begins again from September to December. Watering is not needed during the dormant period. Propagated by seeds and cuttings. Loves lime soil.
Below are photos and descriptions of Lithops species cultivated in home floriculture.
Features of home care
"Living stones" lithops are good because they are quite unpretentious.Although they are native to South Africa, their region is characterized by the changing seasons. Compared to the Northern Hemisphere, everything seems to be the opposite - winter and summer change places. But plants respond to ambient temperature and daylight hours, not calendar dates. So it is quite easy for lithops to provide care. The main thing is to follow a few basic rules.
Temperature
Although in natural conditions these plants can withstand high temperatures, this does not mean that they need to provide the same heat at home, especially since they will look lethargic and, if I may say so, apathetic. Special conditions are needed only during the dormant period, which in the Northern Hemisphere lasts from January to March. Then the optimum temperature is + 12-14 ° C. Although these plants can even withstand frost, you should not leave them on an unheated balcony for a long time.
Lighting
This is a very light-loving plant. It is best to plant it where it will receive stable lighting. But at the same time, it is still not worth leaving it in direct sunlight for a long time, especially in summer - then you need to shade it at least for a short time.
Watering
Novice florists are always interested in the question of how to properly water lithops, because under natural conditions they grow in the desert, and therefore, for many weeks they may not receive moisture at all. In fact, the answer to it always depends on the period of development of the succulent, lithops are no exception. So, during the dormant period, watering is not done at all.
During the growth period, which occurs in April-June, the plants need to be watered carefully in order to prevent root decay. It is best to do so that the water falls only on the soil around the plant, but not on the succulent itself.
It is especially important to ensure that there is no liquid in the crevice between the leaves. But drops should not remain on the surface either, otherwise on a sunny day they will work like lenses, and then a burn will form on the plant's body.
Important! During the growth period, lithops are watered on average once every two weeks. To prevent water from getting on the body of the "living stone", you can immerse the pot for a short time in a container with warm water so that the roots themselves can absorb moisture
Humidity
During the dormant period, the plant needs dry air. During the rest of the months, moderate air humidity will create optimal conditions.
Priming
Although these plants do well in almost any earthen mixture, the soil is still important for them. The best option is considered to be a soil mixture specially designed for succulents. Other options will work, but remember that the substrate must pass water well. The fact is that lithops, especially if they have not yet had time to strengthen their roots well, are prone to rotting even with a short break. So drainage is very important.
Important! In addition to the soil, you need to choose the right house for this plant. The pot should be such that they have enough room for roots.
The more space - the larger the body of the "living stone" will be and the more willingly the plants will form bushes. Of course, if a florist wants to get a miniature garden, then, on the contrary, a pot of small diameter should be chosen.
You can plant plants alone, with families or create mixes - it will be easy to take care of it in any case.
Lithops Mix
Top dressing
This flower practically does not need feeding. But for a more abundant flowering, you can use fertilizers designed for cacti.
Content tips
For these unusual plants to feel good, they need to provide conditions close to natural.
- 1 Soil. In nature, lithops grow on nutrient-poor soils. Some manufacturers produce specialized soil mixture for lithops, but it is extremely difficult to find it on sale. You can use cactus soil for growing "living stones" by adding coarse sand to it.However, experienced flower growers advise to independently prepare such a mixture: 2 parts of sod land, 1 part of leaf humus (preferably birch), 3 parts of coarse river sand and 2 parts of small crumbs of red brick. The finished soil must be disinfected (steamed, calcined in the oven, or sent to the microwave for a few minutes). Composing the soil mixture yourself, it is worth remembering that most types of "living stones" react poorly to the presence of limestone in the soil.
- 2 Dishes. When it comes to lithops, it is often advised to choose flat, plate-shaped bowls. In fact, "living stones" have very long roots, so it is better to take the pots deeper. The amount depends on the preferences of the grower. The more space for the root, the larger and more bushy the lithops will grow. Experts call the optimal size of a bowl for lithops 12x12x12 cm. The material from which the pot is made does not really matter.
- 3 Lighting. In nature, lithops grow in bright sunshine all year round. In summer, daylight hours are longer, in winter - shorter. You should try to achieve similar conditions at home. It is best to place your plant pots on a windowsill on the south, southeast, or southwest side. In summer, you can take it out into the fresh air, in the open sun. But it is worth gradually accustoming lithops to bright sunlight after placement. If it is not possible to provide "living stones" with sufficient natural light, they are illuminated with special lamps for plants. This helps the lithops not to stretch, maintain their natural color and generally survive. But flowering without sun rays can not wait.
- 4 Temperature. In their natural environment, lithops live in conditions of temperature differences: in deserts, the daytime heat is replaced by nighttime cold, especially in winter. Therefore, plants are able to tolerate temperatures from + 50 ° C to + 5 ° C. However, it is better to adhere to the optimal values, which range from +23 to + 28 ° С in summer and from +14 to + 16 ° С in winter. Lithops do not like stuffiness, so the room should be regularly ventilated. At the same time, make sure that there is no draft.
- 5Humidity. "Living stones" are indifferent to this parameter. However, during the dormant period, it is better to provide the plants with a sufficiently dry atmosphere with a humidity level not exceeding 60%.
Views
There are many types of "living stones". At the moment, about 35 varieties are known, but it is quite possible that in a few years there will be even more of them. This is a big plus, because in the interior it will be possible to arrange several types, forming a kind of exotic mix. The most popular species names for this plant are Leslie and Aucamp.
The Leslie variety was discovered back in 1908. It got its name from the name of the person who discovered it. Leslie leaves range from pinkish-brown, coffee-with-cream color to ocher-greenish. All shades of pure gray in the petals are also found.
"Leslie" has a beautiful flower of rich yellow (or in some cases white) color. The flowering period is in September and October. Flowering lasts only a few days. The blossoming flower has a very unobtrusive and delicate aroma. However, it blooms only in the third year after sowing the seeds. In size, "Leslie" is one of the smallest species of lithops. Its leaves are spread only two centimeters.
There are at least two Leslie hybrids with other lithops subtypes. For example, the Albinica variety, which belongs to the Leslie type, is distinguished by delicate crystal-white flowers, and the Storm Albigold subspecies resemble ripe peach in color.
The second most popular variety of Lithops is Aucamp. It has a green, dark green or brownish-brown color with a complex pattern (sometimes there are specimens with a gray or bluish-gray color). It grows mainly in the southern regions of Africa.
It blooms with beautiful and rather large flowers of a rich yellow color, but, unlike Leslie, its flowers have a rather weak aroma, which can be difficult even to feel. Some subspecies of this plant can bloom with flowers that have two shades: the flower can be white from the core to the middle of the petals, and from the middle to the tips of the inflorescence - bright yellow.
This variety of Lithops is somewhat larger than the previous one; their leaves reach 3 centimeters in diameter. In height "Aucamp" can grow up to 3-4 centimeters. When a flower blooms, its diameter can reach 4 centimeters, that is, leaves can completely hide under it. The flowering period at "Aucamp", subject to all conditions for growth and favorable conditions, can occur several times per season.
