Lithops are plants that are often called "living stones." Indeed, in their appearance they resemble colored stones - this was important for their survival in desert conditions. Actually, the name "lithops" itself came from two Greek words, which can be translated as "the likeness of a stone." But these plants were discovered only in 1811, when nature researcher William Burchell discovered the first plant of this type in South Africa. In Europe, they appeared only in the next century. Since then, succulents lithops have taken root as indoor flowers, but not much literature is published on their cultivation.
What does lithops look like to which family
Many amateur gardeners who are going to grow lithops are interested in home care in the first place. However, first you need to understand the theory of the issue.
Marble lithops - one of the most common
Lithops - plants that look like stones, belong to the Mezembriantem family. For the majority of non-specialists, this still does not mean anything, therefore it is important to note that lithops are succulents, that is, "living stones", and are a ground cover variety of these plants. In the wild, they are common in sandy and rocky deserts. Moreover, their habitat is South Africa, Namibia and Botswana. This cactus and the "living stone" are different from each other.
The aerial part of the lithops succulent plant is one or more pairs of leaves fused with each other, rather fleshy and succulent. They form a kind of body that resembles stone, and in some species it is more likely a mushroom without a hat.
Interesting! The color and pattern on the leaves of each species largely depends on the color of those stones, among which this variety of succulents grows in its natural habitat. This is one of the methods of mimicry, which allows the plant to get lost on stony soil and not become prey for animals or birds.
Despite the disguise, in a plant like lithops, flowers can be very interesting. It is curious that alone this succulent blooms quite rarely. But a group of plants, and even planted in one pot or container, gives flowers more often. It is difficult to give a description of them, since they can vary significantly between different species. Their petals are most often white (sometimes with a pinkish tint) or yellow. Orange specimens are much less common.
It is important to remember one feature of the plant, which affects the conditions of its maintenance and the choice of the pot - it develops lateral buds, so instead of one pair of new leaves in favorable conditions, two can form at once. Moreover, any formation consisting of a pair of leaves can again give rise to two plants at once, so that after a while a whole colony of such “pebbles” can form in the container.
In addition, unlike other types of succulents, in most of these plants the width and height of a pair of leaves, called the body, does not exceed 5 cm. And the furrow between them is rarely deep.
Common varieties
Today, many lithops are described, the species are classified. At home, far from all of them are bred, but only the most unpretentious and beautiful. For example, gardeners who are going to grow this type of succulents can pay attention to several species, described below.
Lithops beautiful
This variety is distinguished by a rather large body, the height of which reaches 5 cm. The color of the "stone" part is brownish-yellow, the pattern on it has an even darker shade. Between the leaves is a rather deep cleft. The upper side is convex. On this body, large, up to 5 cm in diameter, white flowers with a pronounced delicate aroma can bloom,
Lithops marble
It has a gray-green body, but the pattern on it has a lighter shade that resembles a pattern on the surface of natural marble. The diameter of a pair of leaves is up to 2 cm. The apex is not as round as that of the previous species, but you cannot even call it flat. The flower looks similar to the one described above, but it is smaller - up to 3 cm in diameter.
Lithops Aucamp
This is a species that grows in South Africa, in the Cape region. It was named after Juanita Aucamp, who discovered these plants in her father’s farm in the 20th century. Its color is dominated by rusty-brown tones, although there are specimens of a green or bluish-gray hue. His flowers are yellow, reaching a diameter of 4 cm. There are many varieties of this particular variety, for example, Betty's Beryl, Hikoruby and others, but mostly they are collected only by experienced collectors.
Lithops Aucamp
Fuller. This species looks interesting and even a little alien. His body is always wider than tall. As for the color, it can be from bluish-gray to brownish-yellow with a green pattern, often the surface is covered with red dots.
Important! In order to create a beautiful composition in a pot, you can buy a mixture of seeds - Lithops Mix. As a rule, older specimens have different shades and patterns on the body.
Although cactus and lithops are similar, in fact there is a significant difference between them. The "living stone" has no thorns that would provide him with additional protection.
Lithops Fuller
Features of home care
"Living stones" lithops are good in that they are quite unpretentious. Although they grow in the wild in South Africa, their region is still characterized by a change of seasons. Compared to the Northern Hemisphere, it seems that everything is happening the other way around - winter and summer change places. But plants respond to ambient temperature and daylight hours, rather than calendar dates. So lithops can provide care quite easily. The main thing is to observe several basic rules.
Temperature
Although these plants can withstand high temperatures under natural conditions, this does not mean that they need to provide the same heat at home, especially since at the same time they will look lethargic and, so to speak, apathetic. Special conditions are needed only during the rest period, which in the Northern Hemisphere lasts from January to March. Then the optimum temperature is + 12-14 ° C. Although these plants can withstand even frosts, you should not leave them for a long time on an unheated balcony.
Lighting
This is a very photophilous plant. It is best to plant it where it will receive stable lighting. But at the same time, it is still not worth it to leave it under the direct rays of the sun for a long time, especially in the summer - then you need to shade it at least for a while.
Watering
Beginning gardeners are always interested in the question of how to properly water lithops, because in natural conditions they grow in the desert, and therefore, for long weeks they may not receive moisture at all. In fact, the answer to it always depends on the period of succulent development, lithops are no exception. So, during the rest period, watering is not performed at all.
During the growth period, which falls on April-June, you need to water the plants carefully to prevent rotting of the roots. It is best to make sure that the water falls only on the soil around the plant, and 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, otherwise on a sunny day they will work like lenses, and then a burn will form on the body of the plant.
Important! During growth, lithops are watered on average once every two weeks. To prevent water from entering the body of the "living stone", you can immerse the pot in a container of warm water for a short while so that the roots themselves can absorb moisture.
Humidity
During dormancy, the plant needs dry air. In the remaining months, moderate air humidity will create optimal conditions.
Priming
Although these plants feel good in almost any earthen mixture, the soil is still important for them. The best option is a soil mixture specifically designed for succulents. Other options will work, but you need to 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 decay even with a short break. So drainage is very important.
Important! In addition to soil, you need to choose the right house for this plant. The pot should be such that they have enough space for the 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 the florist wants to get a miniature garden, then, on the contrary, you should choose a pot of small diameter.
You can plant plants alone, in 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 more abundant flowering, you can use fertilizers designed for cacti.
When and how it blooms
The flowering process of these plants can look very impressive. When they are preparing to bloom, the cleft between the leaves begins to increase in size. Sometimes this happens literally before our eyes. Then a “tongue” emerges from it - this is a sepal; it develops into a real flower on average two weeks after the first appearance.
Flowering period
It begins in most species at the end of summer, which is why it is so important to provide good lighting in August. However, there are plants with a later flowering period, which occurs in the second half of autumn. Interestingly, in almost all species, flowers bloom by noon. In general, the flowering period of this plant lasts about a week, after which again the succulents turn into stones.
Breeding methods
There are two main ways of propagating lithops - seeds and cuttings of shoots. Traditionally, the second option is considered the simplest. However, some experts believe that only growing lithops from seeds at home will help them better understand and get the most beautiful specimens.
Seed germination
A lithopsis seed retains germination for a very long time. A number of studies have shown that when stored in a dry place, even after 20 years, the seeds can germinate.
Important! Of course, the ideal place to store them is a fruit that looks a bit like a capsule.
But most often they are removed from there and dried on a paper napkin. You can sow these plants at any time of the year, but best of all - nevertheless, taking into account the natural features of development.
A step-by-step algorithm will be similar to germinating any other seeds:
- small plastic containers are selected for sowing,
- they fill the pots with a substrate for succulents, only more carefully sifted than usual,
- seeds are distributed evenly over the surface of the substrate,
- sprinkle them with a thin layer of the same earth,
- cover the pots with plastic wrap to make a small greenhouse.
Lithops seedlings
It is not difficult to grow lithops from seeds. Once every two days, the described crops should be “aired”, opening the film, and lightly sprayed with water. If the plant feels well, then its leaves will be smooth. Regardless of the variety, they will have a darker or brown shade. Too soft and bright green leaves indicate the weakness of the "living stone".
Plant transplant
If planting a plant is a serious matter, then transplantation is extremely rare. Living Stones feel excellent in the same container over the years. This is done only if fresh soil is needed, because the old soil is already depleted, and the plant has stopped blooming, and also when the lithops grow rapidly and begin to rise above the level of the container.
With proper care, lithops will delight you with delicate colors.
In such cases, the plant is literally shaken out of its old pot, but only very carefully. The roots are freed from the soil mixture, the dried parts are cut off. Immediately you need to check the flower for pests. Meanwhile, a drainage layer is poured into the bottom of the new pot, and prepared soil is placed on top. Then the lithops begin to be lowered into a new container, while holding with one hand, and with the other, gently filling the roots with an earthen mixture. It is important that it lies flat. The surface can be decorated with a layer of decorative sand. Like other succulents, the flower should not be watered immediately after transplantation.
If you follow the basic rules of growing, then lithops can become a real companion plant that will live in the house for several decades, pleasing the eye with the perfection and elegance of forms.
