Scientific Name
Lithops hookeri var. susannae (Cole) D.T.Cole
Accepted Scientific Name
Lithops hookeri (A.Berger) Schwantes
Common Name(s)
Living Stones
Synonym(s)
Lithops turbiniformis var. susannae
Scientific Classification
Family: Aizoaceae
Subfamily: Ruschioideae
Tribe: Ruschieae
Genus: Lithops
Etymology
The varietal epithet "susannae (soo-SAN-ay-ee)" honors Mrs. Susanna Bergh, wife of the discoverer Ms. W. Bergh of Kakamas.
Origin
Lithops hookeri var. susannae is a form of Lithops hookeri found only in one location 18.6 miles (30 km) southeast of Douglas in the Northern Cape, South Africa.
Description
Lithops hookeri var. susannae is a small succulent that grows solitary or forms clumps of many bodies that consist of two thick, fleshy leaves. It is slightly broader and less reticulate than the type form. The bodies are obconical with a flat to slightly convex upper surface and can grow up to 1.8 inches (4.5 cm) tall and 1.4 inches (3.5 cm) in diameter. The leaves are in various shades of cream or grey, often tinged with yellow, green, pink, or pale brown. The dots and lines on the upper surface are greyish-green, brown, or orange-brown, usually intensely colored at the margins.
The flowers are yellow and appear in fall from the fissure between the leaves. The fruits are 6-chambered capsules with reddish seeds.
How to Grow and Care for Lithops hookeri var. susannae
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. hookeri var. susannae. You may place the pot on the balcony or in the garden from spring to fall.
Soil: L. hookeri var. susannae thrives best in a growing medium that will drain quickly. Use a commercial soil mix for succulents, or make your own potting mix.
Hardiness: 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. hookeri var. susannae can withstand temperatures as low as 30 to 50 °F (-1.1 to 10 °C), USDA hardiness zones 10a to 11b.
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. hookeri var. susannae depends on how quickly the potting mix dries out. It is essential to let the soil dry out between waterings. Stop watering during winter to allow the old leaf pair to dry out and the new pair to develop.
Fertilizing: L. hookeri var. susannae 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 to divide the plant or to allow space for clusters to grow. Repot only when its growing season starts.
Propagation: L. hookeri var. susannae 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 hookeri var. susannae
L. hookeri var. susannae is non-toxic and safe 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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