Scientific Name
Lithops lesliei var. venteri (Nel) de Boer & Boom
Accepted Scientific Name
Lithops lesliei (N. E. Br.) N. E. Br.
Common Name(s)
Living Stones
Synonym(s)
Lithops venteri
Scientific Classification
Family: Aizoaceae
Subfamily: Ruschioideae
Tribe: Ruschieae
Genus: Lithops
Origin
This succulent is native to South Africa (Northern Cape, North West). It is not accepted as a variety, and it is treated as a form of Lithops lesliei.
Description
Lithops lesliei var. venteri is a dwarf succulent that forms a clump of bodies that consists of two thick fleshy leaves divided by a shallow fissure. The bodies are 0.4 inches (1 cm) tall. They are gray with translucent black windows and channels. The upper surface is flat to slightly convex, elliptic to kidney-shaped, up to 2 inches (5 cm) long, and up to 1.2 inches (3 cm) wide. The solitary flower is daisy-like, yellow, up to 2 inches (5 cm) in diameter, and appears from the fissure between the leaves in fall. The fruit is a 5-locular capsule with brown seeds.
Etymology
The varietal epithet "venteri (VEN-ter-eye)" honors Dr. Stephanus (Fanie) Venter (1953-), a South African botanist or J.D. Venter (fl. 1997), an amateur botanist and collector.
How to Grow and Care for Lithops lesliei var. venteri
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. lesliei var. venteri. You may place the pot on the balcony or in the garden from spring to fall.
Soil: L. lesliei var. venteri 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. lesliei var. venteri 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. lesliei var. venteri 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. lesliei var. venteri 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. lesliei var. venteri 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 lesliei var. venteri
L. lesliei var. venteri 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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