Scientific Name
Lithops comptonii L.Bolus
Common Name(s)
Living Stones
Synonym(s)
Lithops comptonii var. comptonii
Scientific Classification
Family: Aizoaceae
Subfamily: Ruschioideae
Tribe: Ruschieae
Genus: Lithops
Origin
Lithops comptonii is endemic to South Africa.
Description
Lithops comptonii is a dwarf succulent with a pair of fleshy leaves fused in a kidney-shaped body. It usually grows solitary or sometimes a few bodies together. The top surface of the leaves has open or somewhat occluded windows with pinkish-beige, light grey, or pale greenish-grey markings.
The flower is yellow with a white center and can reach up to 1 inch (2.5 cm) in diameter. The flowering and annual leaf replacement occur over the summer.
Hardiness
USDA hardiness zones 10a to 11b: from 30 °F (−1.1 °C) to 50 °F (+10 °C).
How to Grow and Care
These plants develop a new set of leaves every year, with new leaves emerging in the fall and growing through the winter and into the summer. Lithops will go dormant in late summer, and water should be severely restricted to prevent bursting leaves. The flowers appear near the end of summer or fall, first as a small bud forcing its way between the leaves, and growth will begin again. It's safe to water during this period. The leaves will still grow in winter, but you should stop watering, even as the older leaves shrivel and encase the new growth. In spring, it is safe to begin lightly watering again as the plant begins to grow again, heading toward its summer dormancy period and the emergence of new leaves in the fall.
Lithops are very slow-growing, small plants, making them ideal as houseplants (once you get the hang of their watering schedule). Older plants form attractive clumps of "pebbles" in their pots, which are highly prized. In general, plants should only be repotted if there are cultural problems (soggy soil) or the plant has outgrown its dish container, which will only happen every several years.
Learn more at How to Grow and Care for Lithops.
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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