Origin
Lithops bromfieldii L.Bolus var. mennellii (L.Bolus) B.Fearn, commonly known as Mennell's living stone or bromfieldii var. mennellii, is a succulent plant species that originates from South Africa. It mainly grows in rocky areas, soil-filled rock crevices, and on the slopes of hills in the Northern and Western Cape provinces of South Africa.
Common Names
Mennell's living stone or bromfieldii var. mennellii are the commonly used names for Lithops bromfieldii L.Bolus var. mennellii (L.Bolus) B.Fearn. However, it also goes by other monikers such as Marloth's living stone, collector's item, flowering stones, and rock roses.
Uses
Lithops bromfieldii L.Bolus var. mennellii (L.Bolus) B.Fearn is a popular ornamental plant used for decoration purposes due to its unique appearance. It has fleshy leaves that form a pair of thickened succulent tissue that gives the plant a pebble-like appearance. Moreover, the plant's rarity and small size make it a collectors' item.
General Appearance
Lithops bromfieldii L.Bolus var. mennellii (L.Bolus) B.Fearn is a small and slow-growing plant. It can reach up to 1.5 inches in diameter and 0.75 inches in height. The plant has thick fleshy leaves that resemble pebbles. Its leaves are gray-green, have smooth surfaces, and are slightly convex on top. The plant has a yellow to the yellow-brown pointed tip, which serves as a window for light entry hence photosynthesis. Its flowers are white or yellow in color and bloom in autumn or winter.
Light Requirements
Lithops bromfieldii L.Bolus var. mennellii (L.Bolus) B.Fearn needs bright light but not direct sunlight. It needs at least six hours of good light per day. A south or west-facing windowsill is an excellent location for this plant.
Temperature Requirements
This plant requires a warm environment, but not hot. The ideal temperature range is between 59 and 86°F (15 and 30°C). Avoid exposing it to cold drafts and keep it away from air conditioning units.
Soil Requirements
Lithops bromfieldii L.Bolus var. mennellii (L.Bolus) B.Fearn prefers a well-draining soil mix. A mix of cactus soil, perlite, and sand is an ideal combination for this plant. It also requires good air circulation around the root system.
Cultivation Methods for Lithops Bromfieldii L.Bolus Var. Mennellii (L.Bolus) B.Fearn
The first step in cultivating Lithops Bromfieldii L.Bolus var. Mennellii (L.Bolus) B.Fearn is ensuring the appropriate soil for growth. It requires a well-draining, sandy soil mix that is slightly alkaline in nature. Avoid using heavy soil mixes, as the plant will have difficulty growing in them.
It is preferable to plant Lithops Bromfieldii L.Bolus var. Mennellii (L.Bolus) B.Fearn during the spring season, as it is the ideal time for the plant's growth. The plant needs sufficient sunlight to grow, so plant it in an area that receives bright and indirect light.
Watering Needs for Lithops Bromfieldii L.Bolus Var. Mennellii (L.Bolus) B.Fearn
The watering requirements for Lithops Bromfieldii L.Bolus var. Mennellii (L.Bolus) B.Fearn vary according to the seasons. During the summer season, water it moderately, and ensure that the soil is completely dry before watering again.
As winter approaches, decrease watering until it stops altogether. During the dormant period, which can last up to two months, the plant gets the moisture it needs from the dew that forms on its leaves.
Fertilizing Lithops Bromfieldii L.Bolus Var. Mennellii (L.Bolus) B.Fearn
Fertilization is essential for the proper growth and development of Lithops Bromfieldii L.Bolus var. Mennellii (L.Bolus) B.Fearn. Use a 10-10-10 or 20-20-20 fertilizer diluted to half strength and apply during the growing season, which runs from spring through summer.
Avoid fertilizing during the dormant period, as it may cause fungal or bacterial diseases to attack the plant. Overfertilization can also cause damage to the roots of the plant, so exercise caution and follow the recommended dosage on the package.
Pruning of Lithops Bromfieldii L.Bolus Var. Mennellii (L.Bolus) B.Fearn
Pruning is not necessary for Lithops Bromfieldii L.Bolus var. Mennellii (L.Bolus) B.Fearn since it has a slow growth rate, and it is not a plant that outgrows its location. However, if two Lithops grow together and become crowded, it is possible to separate them without harming the plant.
The separated plant should be potted in a soil mixture that is similar to what was used during the initial planting. Also, avoid watering the plant for a week to avoid overexposure to moisture that may cause root rot.
Propagation of Lithops bromfieldii L.Bolus var. mennellii (L.Bolus) B.Fearn
Lithops bromfieldii L.Bolus var. mennellii (L.Bolus) B.Fearn, also referred to as the living stone, is a succulent plant that is commonly grown as an ornamental plant due to its unique appearance. Propagation of Lithops bromfieldii can be done through various methods including:
Leaf Cuttings
Leaf cuttings is a common and easy method of propagating Lithops bromfieldii. The process involves cutting the leaves of an adult plant and then placing the cuttings onto a tray of sandy soil. The cuttings should be placed onto the soil, press gently, and then watered lightly. With time, roots will grow, and a small plant will emerge.
Offsets
Offsets are small plantlets that develop around the base of the parent plant. They can be removed carefully using a sterilized knife and then planted in a small pot. The plantlet should be planted in a well-draining soil mixture and kept in a sheltered spot as it establishes roots.
Seed Propagation
Seeds can also be used to propagate Lithops bromfieldii. To do this, seeds should be collected from the adult plant and planted in sandy soil. The soil mix should be kept moist but not waterlogged. Within a few weeks, seedlings will emerge.
Overall, Lithops bromfieldii L.Bolus var. mennellii (L.Bolus) B.Fearn is a fantastic plant for both indoor and outdoor gardening. It is easy to propagate and can be grown from leaf cuttings, offsets, or seeds. Ensure that the soil mix used is well-draining and that the plant is not overwatered.
Disease and Pest Management for Lithops Bromfieldii L.Bolus var. Mennellii (L.Bolus) B.Fearn
Lithops bromfieldii L.Bolus var. mennellii (L.Bolus) B.Fearn is a succulent plant that is relatively resistant to diseases and pests. However, it can still be vulnerable to certain issues that can affect its overall growth and health.
Common Diseases
The most common diseases that can affect Lithops bromfieldii L.Bolus var. mennellii (L.Bolus) B.Fearn include fungal infections and rot. Overwatering, poor drainage, and high humidity levels can facilitate the growth of fungi, which can cause the plant to develop soft, mushy spots and discoloration. Moreover, fungal infections can cause the leaves to turn yellow or brown and can lead to stunted growth.
Pest Management
The most common pests that can affect Lithops bromfieldii L.Bolus var. mennellii (L.Bolus) B.Fearn include mealybugs, spider mites, and scale insects. These pests often infest the plant because of overwatering and poor drainage as well as bringing contaminated soil or compost. These pests can cause severe damage to the plant, such as creating yellowing leaves, stunted growth, and leaf drop.
Disease Management
If Lithops bromfieldii L.Bolus var. mennellii (L.Bolus) B.Fearn is suffering from fungal infections or rot, it's best to remove any affected leaves gently and prevent watering for a few days to allow quick drying of the soil. Moreover, avoid overwatering, and ensure that the soil has excellent drainage to prevent the recurrence of fungal infections. The soil must be allowed to dry out a little between watering to avoid the development of molds and fungi.
Pest Control
If you spot pests on your Lithops bromfieldii L.Bolus var. mennellii (L.Bolus) B.Fearn, it's crucial to tackle the issue immediately to prevent the pests from spreading. Mealybugs and scale insects are best removed by dabbing the affected areas with a cotton swab dipped in alcohol. Spider mites can be removed through periodic washing of the leaves. Additionally, avoid overwatering, remove debris from the soil, and use natural pest control products to protect your plant from infestations.
Practicing proper plant care, including providing the right amount of water, excellent drainage, and appropriate soil, is vital in keeping Lithops bromfieldii L.Bolus var. mennellii (L.Bolus) B.Fearn healthy. Regularly monitoring for pests and diseases and ensuring your plant is in ideal growing conditions are your best methods for ensuring your plant is safe and thriving.
