Scientific Name
Lithops dinteri Schwantes
Common Name(s)
Living Stones
Synonym(s)
Lithops brevis, Lithops dinteri var. brevis, Lithops dinteri var. dinteri
Scientific Classification
Family: Aizoaceae
Subfamily: Ruschioideae
Tribe: Ruschieae
Genus: Lithops
Etymology
The specific epithet "dinteri (DIN-ter-ee)" honors Mortiz Kurt Dinter (1868-1945), a German botanist and collector of succulents.
Origin
Lithops dinteri is native to Namibia (found south of Warmbad).
Description
Lithops dinteri is a dwarf succulent with bodies that consist of a pair of thick, fleshy leaves. It can grow solitary or form clumps of usually 2 to 4 bodies. The leaves can measure up to 1.2 inches (3 cm) tall and 0.8 inches (2 cm) wide. The sides of the leaves are purplish-green. The upper surface of the leaves is flat or slightly convex, has red dots, and ranges in color from red, brown, and grey to cream.
The flowers are yellow and daisy-like and appear from the fissure between the leaves in the fall. They can reach about 1 inch (2.5 cm) in diameter.
How to Grow and Care for Lithops dinteri
Light: Lithops have adapted to intense sunlight in the wild, requiring a good amount of direct 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 dinteri 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 dividing the plants or allowing space for clusters to grow.
Propagation: Lithops are most often grown from seeds. They can also be propagated by division if you have multi-headed plants.
Learn more at How to Grow and Care for Lithops.
Toxicity of Lithops dinteri
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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