Lithops: care and maintenance at home, reviews, photos

Classic popular plants are now in many homes. But the real exotic are unusual flowers that amaze with their forms and beauty. These include lithops. Care and maintenance of these plants do not cause particular difficulties. They will perfectly decorate the interior and make it special. Lithops are called "living stones". This is due to their appearance. Their homeland is the deserts of South Africa. Let's talk in this article about how to care for the lithops, so that they delight in their beauty and amaze with originality.

Appearance

What are lithops? Care and maintenance of flowers will not become burdensome even for beginners lovers of exotic plants. Lithops have thick, very fleshy leaves. They are connected in pairs, separated by a deep hollow. They can be confused with stones lying nearby. Every spring a new pair of leaves appears in the lithops, and the old ones wither. The maximum height of the plant can reach 10 centimeters. Flowering begins in September, and ends in November. Inflorescence appears between the leaves. The bud opens only for a few hours in the middle of the day. Such features are due to the natural habitat of the plant. In the conditions of a hot desert, the flowers chose the optimal time to show their beauty.

Lithops development

During a long day of light, when the most arid time begins, the lithopses are in a calm state. In autumn, with the arrival of the rainy season, they begin active growth. Within a few months, an adult plant produces a flower, and subsequently forms a fruit. In winter, the flowers go into a state of false peace. Outwardly, there is no change. Inside the plant, new leaves begin to form. They feed on substances from the old couple. In spring, the skin of old leaves bursts, and their place is occupied by a young couple. From this moment the active growth of young shoots begins. They increase significantly in volume. It may happen that several pairs of new leaves form on the site of the old plant. So the flower can create a colony.

Types of Lithops

Lithops (care and content we will consider further) have about 30 species and 60 subspecies. They can differ in the shape of the leaves and the color of the flowers. The color scheme depends on the variety. Marble lithopses are distinguished by a special coloration of the leaves. It resembles a marble pattern on a gray-green background. White flowers have a pleasant delicate aroma. Leslie's lithops have white or yellow flowers and brown leaves with speckles. Plants with brown leaves, yellow and orange flowers are referred to as kettle-like lithopses. Lithops (care and maintenance at home are quite possible), despite the exotic, there are also with green leaves and yellow flowers. This kind is called divided. And, finally, lithospheres of salters, which have gray leaves with dark spots and white flowers. External features, similarity with stones allow plants to escape from wild animals in a natural environment. They can mimic the coloring of the environment.

Choose a place

Lithops (care and maintenance require certain conditions) like warm and well-lit areas. This is due to their natural habitat. Therefore, for breeding it is better to choose the southern side of the house. It is desirable to determine the place immediately. This flower does not like change. Even a simple turn of the pot has an adverse effect on it. It is better to choose a suitable place and do not touch the plant any more.

Choose a pot

For planting a lithops, judging by the reviews, it is better to choose a pot that is not less than average. This plant has a good root system, which should fit optimally in the proposed container. Another feature that lithopses have, home care for which is simple, is "sociability." Plants do not like to grow alone. In such conditions, they can stop blooming. Therefore, they should be planted in groups, several copies per pot.

Priming

Each plant needs its own living conditions. Lithops prefer stony soil. This is their natural habitat. Therefore, the traditional soil with peat content will not be entirely appropriate. To prepare a suitable soil, it is necessary to mix coarse sand, small pieces of brick and rotted leaves. The last component can be collected under trees with a small amount of soil. From the top in the pot lay small colored stones. No matter how funny it may sound, but in such conditions, lithopses (care and content, reviews about them are described in the article) grow more amicably.

Temperature and watering

Lithops, in the opinion of flower growers, do not like sudden changes in conditions of detention. For them, a more moderate temperature regime will be more comfortable. Lithops, care and maintenance in the winter of which slightly differs from other periods, like freshness. In cold weather, the temperature will be about 10-12 degrees. In summer it is better to keep these plants in the fresh air. Do not allow sudden temperature fluctuations. Such stress does not like any plant. Lithops do not tolerate excessive watering. This can be detrimental to the flower. Water should only be as necessary. Moisture should not get between the leaves. Extra fluid leads to rotting of the roots and death of the lithopsy. In the period of rest, when the plant slows down and the development ceases, watering is strictly forbidden.

Transfer

According to specialists, these flowers do not like frequent changes of places. Therefore, the transplant should be done only in case of emergency, when the root system no longer fits in the pot. For this, a larger tank is selected and provides very good drainage. Before placing the plant in a new pot, one should cut off a part of the roots. This applies to old and damaged processes. However, you do not need to get involved in this process. If there are traces of salinity on the roots, they should be placed in a container with slightly acidic water. The top layer in the pot after planting should be laid with small stones. This will provide better oxygen permeability and good drainage.

Top dressing

Unlike many plants, lithopses do not require additional feeding. Their natural habitat is so scarce that they are accustomed to extreme conditions. An exception can only be the case when the lithops are not transplanted for a very long time. Then you can once use special fertilizers for succulents, which include this flower. It is strictly forbidden to use fertilizing during the rest period.

Reproduction

Lithops (care and content, photo and description are presented in this article) reproduce by seeds, which must be soaked before planting for at least 6 hours. Then, not drying out, they are planted shallowly, on the surface of the soil. Then the container is covered with a film. Creating the effect of the greenhouse. Daily it is necessary to spray seeds with water and arrange airing for 2-3 minutes. The optimal temperature for germination is no more than 30 degrees in the daytime and at least 15 degrees at night. Shoots will require better lighting, high humidity and fresh air.

Afterword

If you have such an exotic plant, then do not be afraid of the difficulties associated with caring for him. All actions are reduced to providing the necessary temperature regime, lighting, heat and moderate humidity. With such minimal effort, you can decorate your house with an unusual plant that will become the envy of many florists.