Scientific Name
Lithops julii subsp. fulleri (N.E.Br.) B.Fearn
Accepted Scientific Name
Lithops julii (Dinter & Schwantes) N.E.Br.
Common Name(s)
Living Stones
Synonym(s)
Lithops fulleri, Lithops fulleri var. brunnea, Lithops fulleri var. rouxii, Lithops fulleri var. rouxii, Lithops fulleri var. tapscottii, Lithops julii var. brunnea, Lithops maughanii
Scientific Classification
Family: Aizoaceae
Subfamily: Ruschioideae
Tribe: Ruschieae
Genus: Lithops
Origin
This succulent is native to South Africa (near Kenhardt in Northern Cape). It is not accepted as a subspecies, and it is treated as a form of Lithops julii.
Description
Lithops julii subsp. fulleri is a dwarf succulent with a body that consists of a pair of opposite leaves fused in the shape of an inverted cone. The fissure at the top of the body is the division between the leaves. It grows solitary or forms clumps of up to 15 bodies. Leaves are thick, fleshy, and flat to slightly convex at the top. They are pinkish-gray with impressed brown markings at the upper surface. Bodies are up to 1 inch (2.5 cm) tall with a kidney-shaped upper surface that is up to 1.2 inches (3 cm) long and up to 0.8 inches (2 cm) wide. The solitary flowers are white and daisy-like and appear from the fissure between the leaves in summer and fall.
Etymology
The subspecific epithet "fulleri (FUL-ler-eye)" honors Ernest Russell Fuller (fl. 1920-1928), postmaster of Kenhardt in the Northern Cape and an active collector of succulent plants.
How to Grow and Care for Lithops julii subsp. fulleri
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. julii subsp. fulleri. You may place the pot on the balcony or in the garden from spring to fall.
Soil: L. julii subsp. fulleri 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. julii subsp. fulleri 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. julii subsp. fulleri 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 to allow the old leaf pair to dry out and the new pair to develop.
Fertilizing: L. julii subsp. fulleri 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. julii subsp. fulleri is most often grown from seeds. However, 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 julii subsp. fulleri
L. julii subsp. fulleri 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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