Scientific Name
Lithops coleorum S.A.Hammer & R.Uijs
Common Name(s)
Living Stones
Scientific Classification
Family: Aizoaceae
Subfamily: Ruschioideae
Tribe: Ruschieae
Genus: Lithops
Etymology
The specific epithet "coleorum (koh-lee-OR-um)" honors Desmond T. Cole (1922), a South African professor of Bantu languages and Lithops specialist, and his wife and coworker Naureen A. Cole (1935).
Origin
Lithops coleorum is native to South Africa (Limpopo).
Description
Lithops coleorum is a small succulent that grows solitary or forms clumps of usually 2 to 4 bodies composed of two thick fleshy leaves. The bodies are up to 1.6 inches (4 cm) tall, with the upper surface usually strongly convex and up to 0.4 inches (1 cm) wide. They are pale creamy-brown, often suffused with pink or green, and with numerous blackish or greenish translucent markings on the upper surface.
The flowers are yellow, daisy-like, up to 1 inch (2.5 cm) in diameter, and appear in early fall, opening in the late afternoon.
How to Grow and Care for Lithops coleorum
Light: Lithops have adapted to intense sunlight in the wild, requiring a good amount of sunlight when grown indoors.
Soil: These plants thrive best in a growing medium that will drain quickly. Use a commercial succulent soil mix or make your own potting mix.
Hardiness: Lithops coleorum can withstand temperatures as low as 30 to 50 °F (-1.1 to 10 °C), USDA hardiness zones 10a to 11b.
Watering: Lithops have a specific yearly growth cycle, and it is important to water only during certain stages, but it is also important to keep the soil dry at other stages of their growth. Never water Lithops deeply when they are dormant.
Fertilizing: These succulents do not need to be fertilized. Lithops will thrive without any feeding. If you feed, use a high potassium and low nitrogen levels fertilizer.
Repotting: Lithops will happily stay in the same pot for several decades. The common reason for repotting is to divide the plants or allow space for clusters to grow.
Propagation: Lithops are most often grown from seeds. They can be propagated by division if you have multi-headed plants.
Learn more at How to Grow and Care for Lithops.
Toxicity of Lithops coleorum
Lithops are 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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