is an exciting new succulents book on the plants that are able to accumulate water during the dry season. Here’s an article about how to grow cacti and succulents from seeds. The plant became known as ‘living stone’ because of this as well as ‘belly plant’ due to the need to lie and crawl on your belly to see the plant. Even though lithops can be grown by division of the adult plant, growing them from seed is economical and can be a rewarding experience. Sprinkle lithops seeds over the surface and cover with a fine layer of sand or vermiculite. Water the compost and allow to drain. These plants would never be found together in the wild, because each species has evolved to match perfectly the colour of the ground in which they sit – olive-green Lithops olivacea for instance loves to grow in outcrops of quartz, while Lithops ruschiorum is often found growing on feldspar outcrops in its native Namibia, perfectly mimicking the buff and pink hues of the rocks. The best time to start is autumn or spring, and it’s advisable to use a heated propagator or heat mat so that the seeds are kept at a steady 20ºC as they germinate. 4:08. The best time to start is autumn or spring, and it’s advisable to use a heated propagator or heat mat so that the seeds are kept at a steady 20ºC as they germinate. Choose a well drained pot, ensuring the main body of the Lithop can be well covered with soil. Introduction. You can find both seeds and starts on the Internet or at succulent nurseries. - If you don't need a magnifying glass then they are most probably not Lithops seeds but something else. In coloring, the leaves can range from brownish to reddish-pink tones, with occasional specks of orange. Lithops are hardy in zones 9 – 11. Lithops herrei C355, grown from Mesa Garden seed number MG1612.4 planted on 03/24/07, photographed 03/16/08 (358 days). Lithops Hookeri. A lack of light can also cause the plants to lose their markings. However it’s important to not water in winter. Avoid watering them during this time, then give them a good drink in early September, when growth starts again. strangeplants.com. The seedlings remain small and vulnerable for a couple of years. To start off, order your seeds from a reputable supplier. CULTIVATION OF LITHOPS. Lithops is a genus of about 40 species of succulents in the Ice Plant family, Aizoaceae.They are native to southern Africa, generally found in arid regions of Namibia, South Africa, small bordering areas in Botswana, and southern Angola.The genus members are commonly known as Living Stones or Pebble Plants because they avoid being eaten by animals by blending in with surrounding rocks. Lithops are pretty difficult to care for, especially if it's your first time with this plant. Growing lithops from seed. 5 years ago | 51 views. Each lithops plant comprises just two thick, fleshy, fused leaves, designed to hold the water the plant needs to survive. Hoffman Organic Cactus and Succulent Soil Mix, is Perfect for Lithops Keep the pots moist and in a closed environment until germination takes place, this will only require about one or two weeks, then allow good air circulation to avoid damping off. Lithops can be grown from seed. If you're used to buying our magazine from the shops, The tools you need to look after your house plants, Asparagus fern: great house plant companions, you can now order and receive the next issue delivered to your home, Jon Stokes on why we all need trees in our lives, Plant a herb border: download our designer plan, Forcing bulbs: advice and planting combinations. Popularly called “Living Stones”, Lithops are some of the world’s most fascinating plants! Lithops are self-sterile so if the aim is to produce your own seeds, make sure that there are separate plants and that pollinators are available. If you buy lithops online you may find that they’re delivered bare-root and you need to plant them yourself. Follow. Cover the seeds very lightly with a layer of sand and keep them moist by misting often using a pump-style mister. Growing Lithops is possible from seeds and cuttings. Saved by Chelsea Hegsted. Well draining cacti potting mix. Lithops Care. Place a napkin or smooth kitchen towel over a glass, poke a dent into it and decant the seed-water mixture onto it and leave it to dry. Sow the seed evenly in sandy free-draining soil with little or no organic matter in it, and cover with a very thin layer of fine sand. Then avoid watering again during the dormant period in summer. Sign in to manage your newsletter preferences. Authentic succulent or cacti seeds. Lithops seeds is extremely easy to germinate but can be challenging to grow on. Lithops Hookeri is another South African stone plant. Lithops need a sunny spot – aim for around five hours of direct sun per day, so a south- or east-facing windowsill is ideal. 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