Origin
Lithops bella N.E.Br. var. lericheana (Dinter & Schwantes) de Boer & Boom, commonly referred to as Pebble Plants, is a succulent plant that belongs to the family of Aizoaceae. This particular variety is native to South Africa, specifically found growing in the rocky and arid regions of Namibia and the Northern Cape province of South Africa. It is a desert plant and has adapted to survive in extremely harsh and dry conditions.
Common Names
Pebble Plants are commonly referred to as Living stones, Stone Plants, Split-rock, or Butt-plants because of their thick and fleshy leaves that resemble stones. The plant is also known as Lithops, which is derived from the Greek words lithos and ops, meaning stone and appearance, respectively.
Uses
Pebble Plants are popular in horticulture due to their unique and striking appearance. They are usually grown in rock gardens, succulent gardens or as potted houseplants. The plant is not only aesthetically pleasing but also requires minimal care, making it an ideal plant for novice gardeners. The fleshy leaves of the plant are used to store water, allowing it to survive prolonged periods of drought, making it an excellent addition to xeriscapes. In some African cultures, the plant is used medicinally to treat stomach ulcers and other ailments.
General Appearance
Pebble Plants have a unique appearance, which sets them apart from other succulent plants. They grow as a pair of leaves, which are fused together at the base. The leaves are thick, fleshy and dome-shaped, resembling small pebbles. The color of the leaves varies depending on the variety, but they are typically shades of green, brown, yellow, or reddish-brown. The leaves have translucent windows at the top, which allow sunlight to penetrate and reach the photosynthetic tissues inside the plant. The flowers of the plant are daisy-like and can grow from the center of the leaves during the fall or winter. The plant has a low growth rate and can take several years to reach maturity.
Typical Growth Conditions for Lithops Bella N.E.Br. var. Lericheana (Dinter & Schwantes) de Boer & Boom
Lithops bella N.E.Br. var. lericheana (Dinter & Schwantes) de Boer & Boom is a small succulent plant that is native to South Africa. It has unique and fascinating features such as its ability to mimic the color of its environment as a camouflage mechanism. If you want to grow this plant, below are the typical growth conditions that it requires:
Light
Lithops bella N.E.Br. var. lericheana requires bright light, but it should be indirect. The plant can quickly burn if placed directly under the sun, so it is best to place it a few feet away from the window. Artificial light can also work, but it should be placed at least six inches away from the plant.
Temperature
The plant prefers a warm environment, and the temperature should be around 70-80°F (21-26°C) during the day. During the night, the temperature can drop to between 50-60°F (10-16°C). Lithops bella N.E.Br. var. lericheana can tolerate low temperatures, but it is crucial to avoid frost.
Soil Requirements
Lithops bella N.E.Br. var. lericheana prefers sandy soil that is well-drained. The soil should have a high mineral content, and it should be slightly acidic. You can use cactus or succulent soil mix, or you can create your own soil mix by combining sand, perlite, and peat moss.
Watering
The plant does not require frequent watering. You should only water it when the soil is dry to the touch. Overwatering can cause the roots to rot, and the plant can die. When watering, pour the water directly onto the soil, and not on the plant. The plant has a unique feature that stores water in its leaves, so there is no need to mist the foliage.
Humidity
The plant can tolerate low humidity, and it does not require much humidity to thrive. However, if the air is too dry, you can place a tray of water under the plant, or you can use a humidifier to increase the humidity around the plant.
By following these growth condition guidelines, you can have a beautiful and healthy Lithops bella N.E.Br. var. lericheana in your home.
Cultivation methods for Lithops bella N.E.Br. var. lericheana (Dinter & Schwantes) de Boer & Boom
Lithops bella N.E.Br. var. lericheana (Dinter & Schwantes) de Boer & Boom is a succulent plant that can be grown both indoors and outdoors. It requires a well-draining soil mix that is rich in nutrients. When planting, ensure that the rosettes are placed slightly above the soil surface to prevent rotting.
The ideal planting location for Lithops bella N.E.Br. var. lericheana is a spot that receives bright, indirect sunlight. If grown indoors, place the pot near a sunny window to ensure the plant receives enough light to thrive.
Watering needs for Lithops bella N.E.Br. var. lericheana
Lithops bella N.E.Br. var. lericheana is a drought-tolerant plant that requires infrequent but deep watering. Overwatering can cause damage to the plant, so it's best to water when the soil is completely dry. Ensure that the water penetrates deep into the soil, but avoid getting water on the leaves.
In winter, reduce watering to a bare minimum, as the plant goes dormant and requires very little moisture.
Fertilization of Lithops bella N.E.Br. var. lericheana
Lithops bella N.E.Br. var. lericheana is a slow-growing plant that requires minimal fertilization. During the growing season, fertilize once a month using a balanced fertilizer with a low nitrogen content. Avoid fertilizing during the winter months.
Too much fertilizer can cause the plant to grow too quickly, which can make it susceptible to disease and other problems.
Pruning of Lithops bella N.E.Br. var. lericheana
Lithops bella N.E.Br. var. lericheana does not require pruning unless there is damage or disease present. If a plant has dead or damaged leaves, remove these using a sharp pair of scissors or pruning shears. Remove the entire leaf, being careful not to damage the nearby healthy leaves.
If mold or fungus appears on the plant, isolate it immediately and cut off the affected parts to prevent the spread of the disease.
Propagation of Lithops bella N.E.Br. var. lericheana
Lithops bella N.E.Br. var. lericheana is a unique succulent plant that can be propagated through various methods. It is essential to propagate this plant to increase the number of individuals and enhance genetic diversity. Here are some of the propagation methods:
Seed Propagation
Seed propagation is the most common method used to increase Lithops bella N.E.Br. var. lericheana population. When propagating through seeds, it's essential to use high-quality seeds and avoid those that are old or damaged. Sow the seeds in well-draining soil and keep them moist until they germinate. It may take a few weeks or even months, so patience is required. Once the seedlings develop their second set of leaves, transplant them to individual pots.
Division Propagation
Division propagation is another method to propagate Lithops bella N.E.Br. var. lericheana. This requires some experience and care to perform correctly. Carefully remove the plant from the soil and gently separate the offsets from the mother plant. Each offset should have healthy roots and leaves. Allow the offsets to dry for 24 hours before planting them in fresh soil.
Leaf Cuttings Propagation
Leaf cuttings are another way to propagate Lithops bella N.E.Br. var. lericheana. Select a healthy leaf, remove it from the plant, and let it dry for a day or two. Then, plant the leaf in well-draining soil and keep it slightly moist. In a few weeks, new roots will start developing, followed by new leaves.
Propagation is an excellent way to increase Lithops bella N.E.Br. var. lericheana in your collection or garden. Whichever method you choose, be patient and follow the guidelines carefully to ensure the plant's successful propagation.
Disease Management
Lithops bella N.E.Br. var. lericheana is a plant that is generally resistant to diseases. However, it can still be affected by some fungal diseases, including root rot and leaf spot. To prevent these diseases, it is essential to provide good drainage for the plant and to avoid overwatering.
In case of a fungal infection, remove the affected plant parts and apply a fungicide that is appropriate for Lithops bella N.E.Br. var. lericheana. In severe cases, it may be necessary to repot the plant in fresh, sterilized soil to prevent the disease from spreading.
Pest Management
There are several pests that can affect Lithops bella N.E.Br. var. lericheana, including mealybugs, spider mites, and thrips. These pests can cause damage to the plant's leaves, stem, and roots, affecting its overall health and appearance.
To manage these pests, it is important to regularly inspect the plant for signs of infestation. It is recommended to use insecticidal soap or neem oil to treat the affected plant parts. Repeat the treatment as needed until the pests are eliminated. It is also essential to isolate the affected plant to avoid the spread of pests to other plants.
Preventive measures such as keeping the plant clean, removing dead leaves and debris, and maintaining good air circulation can also aid in preventing pest infestations.
