Scientific Name
Lithops karasmontana subsp. amicorum (D.T.Cole) Loots & Ritz
Common Name(s)
Living Stones
Synonym(s)
Lithops amicorum
Scientific Classification
Family: Aizoaceae
Subfamily: Ruschioideae
Tribe: Ruschieae
Genus: Lithops
Origin
This species is native to Namibia.
Description
Lithops karasmontana subsp. amicorum, formerly known as Lithops amicorum, is a dwarf succulent with bodies composed of two thick fleshy leaves with a deep fissure separating them. The bodies are pale bluish-gray, and up to 0.6 inches (1.5 cm) tall. The apex of the lobes (leaves) is up to 0.4 inches (1 cm) wide, flat to slightly convex, with irregular dark brownish-gray mottling. Flowers are white, up to 1 inch (2.5 cm) in diameter, and appear in fall from the fissure between the leaves.
Etymology
The specific epithet "amicorum (am-ee-KOR-um)" means "of friends" and refers to the group of four friends who discovered this subspecies. It is the genitive plural of the Latin noun "amicus," meaning "friend."
How to Grow and Care for Lithops karasmontana subsp. amicorum
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. karasmontana subsp. amicorum. You may place the pot on the balcony or in the garden from spring to fall.
Soil: L. karasmontana subsp. amicorum 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. karasmontana subsp. amicorum 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 do you need to water your L. karasmontana subsp. amicorum 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. karasmontana subsp. amicorum 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. karasmontana subsp. amicorum 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 karasmontana subsp. amicorum
L. karasmontana subsp. amicorum 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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