Lithops cactus are often called "living stones" and yet look like hooves. These small, juicy gaps are native to the deserts of South Africa but are often sold at garden centres and nurseries. Lithops thrive in compacted soil, and with high temperatures and little water blisters. While it is relatively easy to grow, a little information about lithops will help you learn how to thrive living stone in your garden.
SPECIFICATION OF LITHOPS CACTUS
Zones-2-10
Light Requirements-Full Sun
Flower Color-pink
Mature Height-48-52" tall
Bloom Time-Mid summer until frost
Plant Type / Life Cycle-Annual
Planting Time-Spring / Summer
Soil Type-Sandy Soil, Loamy Soil, Acidic Soil
Soil Moisture-Average, Well Draining
INFORMATION ABOUT LITHOPS
There are many colour names for plants in the genus Lithops. Gravel Plants, mimicry plants, stones with flowers etc. are descriptive nicknames with unique shape and growth habit.
Lithops are small, rarely more than one inch above the bottom surface, usually with only two leaves. The thick padded represent the gap left at the foot of an animal or just a pair of grey-green brownstone clustered together.
These plants do not have a true mother and a large part them stays underground.
ADAPTATION OF LITHOPS
Lithops grow in inhospitable areas with limited water and nutrients. Because most of the body of the plant stays under the ground, in which foliage mainly collect energy from the sun. As a result, the system has developed a unique way to improve insolation with "windows " on the surface of the plate. These transparent areas are filled with calcium oxalate, the creation of a reflective facet of light increases.
Another fascinating adaptation of Lithops cactus is the longevity of the seed capsules. Humidity is rare in the wild, so the seeds remain viable in the soil for months.
Lithops, popularly known as "stones with flowers" or "living stones" are true mimicry plants: the shape, size and colour make it resemble small stones in their natural environment. This is a good means of protection. Grazing animals during drought find it difficult to identify these plants for moisture. Even experts in the field sometimes have trouble finding plants for study because of this unusual deceptive camouflage.
HOW TO GROW PLANTS LIVING STONES
Living stones growing in pots is preferable for most but in the hottest areas. Lithops do well in a mixture of potting compost included with some sand.
Potting media is to be dried before adding moisture and then placed in a bright environment. Now place the plant in the south window for optimal light input.
Propagation is done by the division of seed, although seedlings take many months and years to grow before it resembles the parent plant. You can find the seeds on the Internet or succulent nurseries.
In the wild, Lithops inhabit vast dry regions of South Africa. Different areas where these plants grow receive less than 2 inches of rain per month throughout the year. In an extreme situation of low rainfall, at least one species Lithops depends on mist or fog as their main source of water supply. The "body" of the plant consists of two succulent leaves fused into the shape of an inverted cone. The slit or slot in the top of the plant is the distribution of the two sheets. No such rod, but binds taproot abruptly on the underside of the leaves. The structure of the plant reveals the imagination of the harsh conditions in which they live. The leaves are thick enough to store water to survive months without rain. The plants are small and maintain a low profile to minimize the effect of the thermal stress and light climate.
The above information may be taken into account when Lithops is grown at home or greenhouse. Because they thrive in low humidity and infrequent need of watering and care, ideal for houseplants, providing sufficient light conditions and proper irrigation. Care should be taken to choose a well-lit place for plants.
Lithops do well if they receive about 4 or 5 hours of direct sunlight during the first part of the day, and partial shade in the afternoon.
ABOUT IT'S CHARACTER:
Lithops care is easy, as long as you know the right kind of weather for your plant and the culture conditions.
Do not over water. These small succulent plants need to be watered on your latency, which falls through spring.
If you want to encourage flowering, add diluted cactus fertilizer in spring.
Lithops do not have pest problems usually, but they can scale, and get affected by mosquitoes, humidity and various fungal diseases. Watch for signs of discolouration and often evaluate your facility for immediate treatment .
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