Lithops, commonly known as Living Stones, can add an interesting accent to your home or garden. These dwarf succulent plants, which resemble stones and grow daisy-like flowers, come in various shapes, textures, and colors. Originally from southern Africa, Lithops can withstand temperatures up to 120 °F (49 °C). They are hardy to USDA Plant Hardiness Zone 9 and higher. Even though Lithops can be grown by dividing adult plants, growing them from seeds can be a rewarding experience.
1. Mix equal parts of potting soil and perlite. Moisten the mix with water and fill it into a pot with drainage holes about 0.5 inches (1.3 cm) from the top.
2. Sprinkle the seeds over the soil and cover them with a 1/8-inch (0.3 cm) layer of fine sand or crushed rock.
3. Fill a spray bottle with water and mist the soil. Try to keep the soil moist throughout the germination period. Cover the pot with plastic wrap or a glass pane to help promote soil moisture retention.
4. Place the pot in a warm sunlit area. Aim for approximately 65 to 80 °F (18 to 27 °C). Place a heating mat underneath the pot if needed. Expect the seeds to germinate within 2 to 12 weeks.
5. Remove the plastic wrap or glass pane once the seeds germinate. Transplant the seedlings into individual pots when the plants start to crowd and are big enough to handle. Place the pots on a sunny windowsill.
Tips
Avoid overwatering the seedlings as they grow. Water them once the top 0.25 inches (0.6 cm) layer of soil is dry. After about three months, allow the soil to dry completely between watering. Provide Lithops with about five hours of sunlight per day.
Do not expect all the seeds to germinate at the same time. Some seeds may take as long as a year to germinate.
Source: sfgate.com
Links
- Back to genus Lithops
- Succupedia: Browse succulents by Scientific Name, Common Name, Genus, Family, USDA Hardiness Zone, Origin, or cacti by Genus