Lithops are plants. This may seem like an obvious finding, but the question people ask themselves the most when they see them is, "What is this?" Commonly known as "Living Stones", they seem to be able to fool humans and animals. They belong to the Mesembryanthemaceae (Aizoaceae) family. The word "lithos" in Greek means "stone". Lithops are native to South Africa and Namibia, where they have acclimated to extreme conditions of heat and drought. About 200 varieties are currently known. Lithops are ideal plants for collectors and are among the most popular succulents. Their small size and compact growth allows...
Lithops are plants. This may seem like an obvious finding, but the question people ask themselves the most when they see them is, "What is this?" Commonly known as "Living Stones", they seem to be able to fool humans and animals. They belong to the Mesembryanthemaceae (Aizoaceae) family. The word "lithos" in Greek means "stone". Lithops are native to South Africa and Namibia, where they have acclimated to extreme conditions of heat and drought. About 200 varieties are currently known. Lithops are ideal plants for collectors and are among the most popular succulents. Their small size and compact growth allows for cultivate a whole collection in a rather small space. They make excellent house plants. Under ideal conditions, Lithops can live up to 50 years in culture. The fascination and interest in Lithops comes from the considerable variation in colors and patterns of the plants. Some species show considerable variation within the species itself, so with the hybrids that are regularly available, the number of different plants a collector can obtain is almost limitless. The shape, size and color of Lithops lead them to be confused with stones in nature. The plants hide among the stones in defense mode. Grazing animals, which would normally eat them during times of drought to obtain water, ignore them. To prevent evaporation, the leaves changed so much that they lost their leaf appearance and took the form of round pebbles. There is no actual trunk, but a seal at the base of the leaves. The leaves are thick so that they can store enough water to survive through months of drought. The patterns and colors of their surface are similar to the stones of their environment. The flat part of the top of the leaves functions as a window. This window has a very important function, allowing light to enter the body of the plant, where the sun's rays activate cells which assist in the process of photosynthesis. Another extraordinary phenomenon, this product during periods of drought, Lithops can penetrate the ground, becoming semi-subterranean. This way, they are not exposed to the outside elements which could dry them out further. When flowering begins, the bud emerges from a crack between 2 leaves. The flowers are solitary and are born on a stem. most Lithops flower in fall and early winter. They are yellow or white depending on the variety. They open during the afternoons of sunny days. Flowering is related to the amount of light received during spring and summer. Lithops should be 3 to 5 years old before they flower. Several species have flowers that emanate a spicy or sweet scent. Hardiness zones 10-11, (1 ° C / 35 ° F, 4 ° C / 40 ° F). Lithops should not be exposed to temperatures below 40 ° F (5 ° C). They should be left dry in winter and early spring. During this period, the plant will regenerate a new body. The new body will consume moisture and nutrients from the old body for growth. This process will be visible early in the spring. In winter and early spring, keep the plant cool, but avoid freezing. Watering can only be started after the old body has dried out. You can remove the remains of the old body and dead flowers. This can be in May or June depending on the variety. When watering, soak the soil with water. The soil should be able to dry out completely between waterings. Late in spring or early summer, the plant will go dormant. In their habitat, this is necessary to ensure their survival during the long period of intense heat when little water is available, using their reserves to subsist. In the fall, usually around August or September, the plants will start growing. Almost all problems are the cause of too much watering and poor ventilation. They need good light intensity when grown as house plants. Usually a window to the south is a good place, unless it exposes the plant to sun all day, which should be avoided. The soil should drain quickly. Pots 3 to 5 inches deep are recommended. Good commercial cactus soil is recommended. You can fertilize occasionally, but don't do it too often.
This is a random mix of colours.
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