Scientific Name
Lithops otzeniana Nel
Common Name(s)
Living Stones
Scientific Classification
Family: Aizoaceae
Subfamily: Ruschioideae
Tribe: Ruschieae
Genus: Lithops
Etymology
The specific epithet "otzeniana (ot-zen-ee-AY-nuh)" honors M. Otzen, a German succulent plant enthusiast who invited Professor G.C. Nel, its discoverer, on the trip on which he discovered it.
Origin
Lithops otzeniana is native to South Africa. It occurs in decomposed granite, often under shrubs from north and northwest of Loeriesfontein, on the margins of Bushmanland in the Northern Cape province.
Description
Lithops otzeniana is a dwarf succulent with somewhat heart-shaped bodies of two opposite leaves with a deep fissure separating them. It usually forms small clusters of 2 to 5, occasionally up to 25 bodies. The bodies are elliptic from above and can grow up to 1.2 inches (3 cm) tall. The upper surface is convex, smooth to more and less wrinkled, with boldly scalloped markings on margins, and windows in shades of light grey, usually tinged with pale pink, cream, green, or blue. It can measure up to 1.2 inches (3 cm) long and up to 0.8 inches (2 cm) wide.
The solitary flowers are yellow with a white center and appear in fall. They can reach up to 1.2 inches (3 cm) in diameter. The fruits are usually 5-locular capsules with brown seeds.
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 into 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
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