Scientific Name
Lithops bromfieldii var. mennellii (L.Bolus) B.Fearn
Accepted Scientific Name
Lithops bromfieldii L.Bolus
Common Name(s)
Living Stones
Synonym(s)
Lithops mennellii
Scientific Classification
Family: Aizoaceae
Subfamily: Ruschioideae
Tribe: Ruschieae
Genus: Lithops
Etymology
The varietal epithet "mennellii (pronounced men-NEL-ee-eye)" honors Brian T. Mennell, who collected this plant in April 1934.
Origin
Lithops bromfieldii var. mennellii is native to South Africa (a small area south of Upington near Orange River in the Northern Cape province). It is not accepted as a separate variety and is treated as a synonym of Lithops bromfieldii.
Description
Lithops bromfieldii var. mennellii is a dwarf succulent with bodies that consist of two thick, fleshy leaves fused in the shape of an inverted cone, with a central fissure dividing them. The bodies can grow solitary or usually in clumps of 2 to 10 and reach a height of 0.6 inches (1.5 cm). The upper surface of the bodes is flat or slightly convex, elliptical to kidney-shaped, measuring up to 1.4 inches (3.5 cm) long and 0.8 inches (2 cm) wide. The bodies are beige to pinkish-gray with impressed, branched, dark brown lines on the upper surface.
The yellow flowers appear in the fall from the fissure between the leaves. They can reach up to 1.2 inches (3 cm) in diameter.
How to Grow and Care for Lithops bromfieldii var. mennellii
Light: A sunny windowsill where the plant receives 4 to 5 hours of direct sunlight during the early part of the day and partial shade during the afternoon is the perfect spot to grow your L. bromfieldii var. mennellii. You may place the pot on the balcony or in the garden from spring to fall.
Soil: L. bromfieldii var. mennellii thrives best in a growing medium that will drain quickly. Use a commercial soil mix for succulents, or make your own.
Temperature: High temperatures are not a problem for this plant as long as there is plenty of fresh air, but it is not a cold-hardy succulent. L. bromfieldii var. mennellii can withstand temperatures as low as 30 °F (-1.1 °C). USDA Plant Hardiness Zones 10a to 11b, 30 to 50 °F (-1.1 to 10 °C).
Watering: Like all Lithops, this succulent has a specific yearly growth cycle. It is important to water only during certain stages and keep the soil dry at other stages. How often you need to water your L. bromfieldii var. mennellii depends on how quickly the potting mix dries out. It is essential to let the soil dry out between waterings. Stop watering during the winter to allow the old leaf pair to dry out and the new pair to develop.
Fertilizing: L. bromfieldii var. mennellii does not need to be fertilized and will thrive without feeding. If you feed it, use a fertilizer with high potassium and low nitrogen levels.
Repotting: This small succulent will stay in the same pot for several decades. The common reason for repotting is dividing the plant or allowing space for clusters to grow. Repot only when its growing season starts.
Propagation: L. bromfieldii var. mennellii is most often grown from seeds. However, if you have a multi-headed plant, it can also be propagated by division. Sow the seeds during the summer.
Learn more at How to Grow and Care for Lithops.
Toxicity of Lithops bromfieldii var. mennellii
L. bromfieldii var. mennellii is non-toxic and safe to have around children and pets.
Links
- Back to genus Lithops
- Succupedia: Browse succulents by Scientific Name, Common Name, Genus, Family, USDA Hardiness Zone, Origin, or cacti by Genus
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