Scientific Name
Lithops verruculosa Nel
Common Name(s)
Living Stones
Synonym(s)
Lithops inae, Lithops verruculosa var. glabra, Lithops verruculosa var. verruculosa
Scientific Classification
Family: Aizoaceae
Subfamily: Ruschioideae
Tribe: Ruschieae
Genus: Lithops
Description
Lithops verruculosa is a dwarf succulent with top-shaped bodies consisting of a pair of fleshy leaves. The bodies can grow up to 1.4 inches (3 cm) tall, with the upper surface reaching up to 1.4 inches (3.5 cm) in length and 1 inch (2.5 cm) in width. They are bluish-gray with a two-lobed opaque upper surface irregularly divided by numerous confluent depressions, giving it a wrinkled or tuberculated appearance.
The flowers range in color from white, cream, yellow, light orange, pink, and rose to bronze, often with a contrasting tint or inner ring of orange, rose-pink, mauve, or magenta, which may extend up onto the stamens. They appear in the fall. The fruits are usually 5-chambered capsules that measure up to 0.3 inches (0.8 cm) in length and diameter and contain yellow-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 winter, but you should stop watering, even as the older leaves shrivel up and encase the new growth. In the spring, it's safe to begin lightly watering again as the plant grows back, 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.
Origin
Lithops verruculosa is endemic to South Africa.
Cultivars
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
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