Scientific Name
Lithops pseudotruncatella var. elisabethae (Dinter) de Boer & Boom
Common Name(s)
Living Stones
Synonym(s)
Lithops elisabethae, Lithops elisabethiae, Lithops pseudotruncatella var. elisabethiae
Scientific Classification
Family: Aizoaceae
Subfamily: Ruschioideae
Tribe: Ruschieae
Genus: Lithops
Etymology
The varietal epithet "elisabethae (Eh-liss-ah-bett-HAY-ee)" honors Elisabeth Schneider, the first collector of this variety.
Origin
Lithops pseudotruncatella var. elisabethae is native to Namibia. It is restricted to an isolated area about 93 miles (150 km) north of any other variations of Lithops pseudotruncatella.
Description
Lithops pseudotruncatella var. elisabethae is a dwarf succulent with a body that consists of two thick, fleshy leaves fused in the shape of an inverted cone. The body is bluish-pink and can grow up to 1.6 inches (4 cm) tall, usually solitary or in a group of two. The upper surface is reddish-pink to reddish-brown with a beautiful pattern of red lines and spots. It is flat to slightly convex, measuring up to 2 inches (5 cm) long and 1.4 inches (3.5 cm) wide.
The yellow flowers appear from the fissure between the leaves in fall. They can reach up to 2 inches (5 cm) in diameter. The fruits are usually 6-chambered capsules that contain tiny brown seeds.
How to Grow and Care for Lithops pseudotruncatella var. elisabethae
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. pseudotruncatella var. elisabethae. You may place the pot on the balcony or in the garden from spring to fall.
Soil: L. pseudotruncatella var. elisabethae 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. pseudotruncatella var. elisabethae 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. pseudotruncatella var. elisabethae 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. pseudotruncatella var. elisabethae does not need to be fertilized. It will thrive without any feeding. If you feed, use a high potassium and low nitrogen levels fertilizer.
Repotting: This small succulent will 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. pseudotruncatella var. elisabethae 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 pseudotruncatella var. elisabethae
L. pseudotruncatella var. elisabethae 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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