Scientific Name
Lithops lesliei 'Albinica'
Common Name(s)
Leslie's Living Stone, Living Stone Plant, Living Stones, Stone Plant, Pebble Plant
Synonym(s)
Lithops lesliei f. albinica
Scientific Classification
Family: Aizoaceae
Subfamily: Ruschioideae
Tribe: Ruschieae
Genus: Lithops
Origin
Lithops lesliei 'Albinica' is a form of Lithops lesliei selected for its white flowers.
Description
Lithops lesliei 'Albinica' is a dwarf succulent with a soft rootstock that produces a pair of leaves, forming an inverted cone-shaped body. The body can grow up to 0.4 inches (1 cm) tall, while the flat upper surface can measure up to 2 inches (5 cm) long and 1.2 inches (3 cm) wide. The leaves are grass green to yellowish with yellow speckles or dots.
The white daisy flowers emerge from the fissure between the leaves in spring and summer. They can reach up to 2 inches (5 cm) in diameter.
Hardiness
USDA hardiness zones 10a to 11b: from 30 °F (−1.1 °C) to 50 °F (+10 °C).
How to Grow and Care
These plants develop a new set of leaves every year, with new leaves emerging in the fall and growing through the winter and into the summer. Lithops will go dormant in late summer, and water should be severely restricted to prevent bursting leaves. The flowers appear near the end of summer or fall, first showing up as a small bud forcing its way between the leaves, and growth will begin again. It's safe to water during this period. The leaves will still grow in the winter, but you should stop watering, even as the older leaves shrivel and encase the new growth. In the spring, it's safe to begin lightly watering again as the plant begins to grow again, heading toward its summer dormancy period and the emergence of new leaves in the fall.
Lithops are very slow-growing, small plants, making them ideal as houseplants (once you get the hang of their watering schedule). Older plants form attractive clumps of "pebbles" in their pots, which are highly prized. In general, plants should only be repotted if there are cultural problems (soggy soil) or the plant has outgrown its dish container, which will only happen every several years.
Learn more at How to Grow and Care for Lithops.
Links
- Back to genus Lithops
- Succupedia: Browse succulents by Scientific Name, Common Name, Genus, Family, USDA Hardiness Zone, Origin, or cacti by Genus
Photo Gallery
Click on a photo to see a larger version.
