The name "living stones" sounds paradoxical, about like "dry rain" or "salty sugar". But this is not a game of words, living stones do exist - these are unusual flowers , which are more correctly called lithopses. They got their strange name because they successfully depict stones and pebbles, adapting to the landscape of the area on which they grow. Thus, the lithopses are saved from animals that seek to eat them. And is not the instinct of self-preservation a property of living beings only?
Externally, the living stones look like two fleshy leaves, which partly fused together. They have a very massive root, which sprouts far into the depths and extracts the necessary moisture and minerals. Certainly distinguish them from fragments of inanimate nature inexperienced philistine eye is able only at the time of flowering. The flowers of lithopses resemble chamomiles or daisies and look very original, as if they grow on bare stones.
Growing of Lithops
Strange as it may seem, these exotic plants can be planted in country areas and even at home. They feel great, forming dense thickets and wither and refuse to blossom, being placed in separate pots. It is best to plant the plants in non-large but wide pots, pre-laying the bottom with good drainage .
Surviving in severe desert conditions, lithopses, require careful care at home and in household plots. Best of all, they grow in the open sunny terrain at high temperatures. In winter, the temperature should be lowered though to 15 ° C and use additional illumination.
Soil for lithopses
The substrate for cultivation should be loose and drained. Its composition is relatively constant and does not tolerate dramatic changes. The soil should include coarse sand, pumice and clay soil. In some cases, you can add granite chips and vary the proportions.
Approximately every 3-4 weeks, live stones need to be fed. For this, ready-made shop mixes for cactuses are perfect.
How to water the lithops?
The most common reason that unpretentious, at first glance, succulents die in the hands of even skillful growers, is an excess of moisture. Watering them should be extremely meager - once in about 2-4 weeks, provided that the temperature and sufficient light. In winter, the lithopses are transferred to a hungry, that is, dry rations: from November to the very beginning of March they are not watered at all, only occasionally spraying the leaves. Frayed leaves should not be embarrassed - it is their natural transitional state, and not a sign that they are drying up from lack of moisture.
Lithops: transplantation
During the growth period, the "stones" can become cramped in the intended capacity. Then they need to be transplanted, removing a part of the root system, which, however, very quickly recover. Before planting in a new dish, you should hold them for several hours in acidified water - this will refresh and clean the roots.
Plant separate specimens should be tightly to each other, sprinkling the earth mixture with the root collar. And in order that the leaves do not rot, they need to be sprinkled with fine gravel. After the transplant is completed, it is better to put the lithopses in a dark place - to start the rooting process.
Lithops: reproduction
These outlandish plants reproduce with the help of seeds - so small that when planting they should be scattered over the surface of the ground and only slightly tarnished with sand. On top of the cuvette for growing is better covered with a film - this will create optimal conditions for germination. Escaped shoots should be immediately accustomed to the sun in order for them to grow stronger quickly.