Scientific Name
Lithops hallii DeBoer
Common Name(s)
Living Stones
Synonym(s)
Lithops fulleri var. ochracea, Lithops hallii var. hallii, Lithops salicicola var. reticulata, Lithops salicola var. reticulata
Scientific Classification
Family: Aizoaceae
Subfamily: Ruschioideae
Tribe: Ruschieae
Genus: Lithops
Origin
This species is native to South Africa (Northern Cape), mostly growing on stony flats in gravelly soil.
Description
Lithops hallii is a dwarf succulent with bodies composed of two thick fleshy leaves in various shades of reddish-brown. It forms a small clump of usually 2 or 3 bodies and is one of the most variable white flowering species. Leaves are flat, sometimes slightly convex at the top, with an interlacing network of red to brown channels and irregularly dentate margins. The upper surface of the body is kidney-shaped, up to 2 inches (5 cm) long and 1.2 inches (3 cm) wide. Flowers are white, up to 1.8 inches (4.5 cm) in diameter, and appear in fall from the fissure between the leaves. Fruits are boat-shaped, usually 6-loculed capsules with yellow-brown seeds. They are up to 0.4 inches (1 cm) long and up to 0.25 inches (0.6 cm) wide.
Etymology
The specific epithet "hallii (HALL-ee-eye)" honors Harry Hall (1906-1986), a British-born horticulturist, botanist, and succulent plant authority.
How to Grow and Care for Lithops hallii
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. hallii. You may place the pot on the balcony or in the garden from spring to fall.
Soil: L. hallii 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. hallii 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 cycle of growth, and it is important to water only during certain stages, but it is also important to keep the soil dry at other stages of its growth. How often you need to water your L. hallii 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 months to allow the old leaf pair to dry out and the new pair to develop.
Fertilizing: L. hallii does not need to be fertilized. It will thrive without any feeding. If you decide to feed, use a fertilizer with high potassium and low nitrogen levels.
Repotting: This small succulent will happily 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. hallii is most often grown from seeds. 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 hallii
L. hallii 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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