Lithops (Lithops) - drought-resistant plants of the Aizov family. They grow mainly among the rocky deserts of the southern part of the African continent. Outwardly, these succulents completely imitate the stones among which they grow, for this they got their Latin name.
Lithops are small plants consisting of thick sheets spliced together, resembling pebble stones in shape and color. They are stemless plants. The maximum height of lithops barely reaches 4 cm. Due to the fact that this plant lives in the desert, its roots go deep into the soil, this makes it easier to find water in arid latitudes. When a prolonged drought sets in, lithops are buried in the ground and wait for it.
The surface of the plant's body, it is also its leaves, is a conical, flat or convex structure, which depends on the variety. The colors are also the most diverse: from light gray and beige to pink, abundantly streaked with stripes and light spots.
At the root, the leaves of the lithops are accrete, so this makes them look like dies cut into several parts, through which flowers break through. Each variety of this plant has a cut of different depths, which can start from the root or be at the very top.
The change of leaves is interesting. This does not happen often. During the "shedding" of the foliage, the old leaf shrinks and shrivels, decreasing several times in size, and a new succulent leaf grows in its place from below, abundantly saturated with moisture from the inside.
At the end of summer, flower buds begin to appear in the gaps between the leaves. They can be quite large in diameter, from one cut can appear from one to three buds. Flowering lasts up to 10 days. Sometimes, pollinated, they can bear fruit.
Lithops care at home
Location and lighting
Since these wonderful flowers came from latitudes with eternal summer and long sunny days, in temperate latitudes they prefer to be in well-lit rooms or on the southern sides.
Temperature
The most suitable summer temperature for lithops is from 22 to 25 degrees Celsius. At rest, when the flower does not bloom, it can be kept at 12-15 degrees, but not lower than 7 degrees.
Air humidity
Lithops are unpretentious in care and do not require additional spraying with water. They feel good in fairly dry rooms. But the air must always be fresh, so the room must be ventilated frequently.
Watering
Lithops do not need frequent watering. In the spring they are watered very little and carefully, not flooding. No more than once every 2 weeks. Watering is gradually reduced, and from January to March, during the longest dormant period, they are not watered at all.
The soil
To plant lithops, you need to purchase soil for cacti or make it yourself from humus-rich soil and coarse sand in an equal ratio with the addition of half a measure of river clay.
Top dressing and fertilizers
The plant can be fed with any cactus fertilizer. But this should be done no more than once a month. It is recommended to use only half of the recommended dose.
Transfer
Lithops need a transplant only when the pot becomes cramped. The bottom of the pot needs to be covered with gravel, on top - an earthen mixture, after transplanting lithops, the soil is strewn with small pebbles or gravel chips to create an environment familiar to the plant.
Lithops are transplanted into a pot with low sides, but wide enough. They must be planted in groups of several, since individually these plants grow poorly and practically do not bloom.
Dormant period
Lithops have this period twice. The first occurs during a leaf change. The second - after dropping off the faded buds. During these periods, lithops cannot be watered and fertilized. It should be placed in a bright, well-ventilated and dry place.
Reproduction of lithops
Lithops reproduces by seeds. First, they are placed in warm water for 6 hours, then they are planted on the surface of the soil without digging in and covered with a film. During the period of seed germination, the soil should be sprinkled daily with water and the film should be left open for airing for 5 minutes. After about 10 days, the plant takes root and shoots appear. From this period of watering it is necessary to shorten and increase the time of daily airing.
Diseases and pests
During the period of winter dormancy, it often happens that the leaves of the plant are affected by the mealybug. In this case, lithops should be periodically wiped with a solution of garlic gruel, laundry soap and water until the lesion is completely cured.
