Lithops - Orchid Board

BikerDoc5968 · #1 09-21-2011, 06:08 PM

I've never really been into Lithops, Living Rocks or Stones. I admire them and think they are very attractive with all their different leaf patterns, but just never had them in my collection.... Until! Yes, I dragged my wife off to the Mathaei Botanical Garden Cactus show last week in Ann Arbor, Michigan (U of M). Renewed some old acquaintances and my wife bought me five Lithops because she just thinks they are sooooo cool. I put them all in a small "garden" and this flower opened a couple of days ago. They open very late in the day and close by nightfall. Cute little plants... can you tell I'm taking a liking to them all thanks to my wife. Do I dare take her chid shopping....

If you've never seen them before, the leaves divide, the flower emerges. After the flower dies, the plant enters a rest period. In the spring the two leaves will begin wither and die as a new leaf grows. The new plant will emerge sucking the last bits of life from the former plant and will usually be larger than its predecessor.

Paul · #2 09-21-2011, 06:12 PM

Always have found lithops and the other mesembs to be very cool. However, I've always had trouble keeping them alive over a year or so. Just have not mastered their culture.

Merlyn · #3 09-21-2011, 06:35 PM

Interesting little plants, nice blooms !

NO, I'll stick with my chids !!! LOL !!!

nenella · #4 09-21-2011, 06:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Merlyn

Interesting little plants, nice blooms !

NO, I'll stick with my chids !!! LOL !!!

thanks for posting something 'New'for me... you never know... one day I may have some of these pretty summery flowers.

Zoi2 · #5 09-21-2011, 10:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Paul

Always have found lithops and the other mesembs to be very cool. However, I've always had trouble keeping them alive over a year or so. Just have not mastered their culture.

You are probably watering too much. These guys really do not like to be watered.
Joann

WhiteRabbit · #6 09-21-2011, 11:53 PM

wow - very cool! I don't know if I have seen one of these blooming before - such a beautiful flower!

Paul · #7 09-22-2011, 11:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Zoi2

You are probably watering too much. These guys really do not like to be watered.
Joann

Possibly, Joann, but I really don't believe so. I've been very sparing with water in the past. Course, for all I know, maybe I'm erring too far on the side of caution.

Lagoon · #8 09-22-2011, 01:58 PM

I love this crazy rocks, such beautiful flowers

stefpix · #9 09-23-2011, 12:23 PM

i think some need water some time of the year and totally dry other times. the problem is different species may have these periods at different seasons depending what part of africa they come from. I am in a hurry now but if you search you can find some very clear directions. probably you need to leave a note by the pot. I have one - finger crssed. Definitely they look cool

BikerDoc5968 · #10 09-23-2011, 12:28 PM

Here is a general culture sheet on Lithops. I must say I'm a bit nervous cuz I don't want to knock off these guys.... gift from my wife and all

Cultivation of Lithops: Lithops