Origin
Lithops fulleri N.E.Br. var. chrysocephala (Nel) de Boer is a dwarf succulent plant that is native to South Africa. More specifically, it can be found in the Northern Cape Province of South Africa.
Common Names
Some of the common names for Lithops fulleri N.E.Br. var. chrysocephala (Nel) de Boer include Golden-Headed Living Stone and Golden Stone.
Uses
Lithops fulleri N.E.Br. var. chrysocephala (Nel) de Boer is a popular ornamental plant due to its unique and interesting appearance. It is often grown in rock gardens or as a houseplant. Some people also collect and trade Lithops species as a hobby.
General Appearance
Lithops fulleri N.E.Br. var. chrysocephala (Nel) de Boer has a distinct appearance that sets it apart from other plants. It forms clumps of small, flattened, dome-shaped bodies that are green in color. These bodies have a slit at the top that allows the plant to absorb sunlight. The tops of the bodies are often a bright golden-yellow color, hence the common name Golden-Headed Living Stone. The plant's flowers are white or yellow and typically bloom in the fall.
Light requirements
Lithops fulleri N.E.Br. var. chrysocephala (Nel) de Boer prefers bright, indirect sunlight. A south-facing window with sheer curtains is an ideal location for this plant. Direct sunlight can scorch its leaves, so it's important to protect it from hot afternoon sun.
Temperature requirements
This plant prefers warm temperatures between 60-80°F (15-27°C). It can tolerate cooler temperatures down to 50°F (10°C), but it's best to keep it away from drafts or cold windows. Avoid exposing it to temperatures below 40°F (4°C), as this can cause damage to the plant.
Soil requirements
Lithops fulleri N.E.Br. var. chrysocephala (Nel) de Boer requires well-draining soil with a pH range of 5.5-7.5. A mixture of cactus soil and perlite or sand works well for this plant. It's important to avoid wet soil, as this can cause root rot. Make sure the pot has proper drainage and water only when the soil is completely dry.
Cultivation Methods
Lithops fulleri N.E.Br. var. chrysocephala (Nel) de Boer is a succulent plant that can be cultivated both indoors and outdoors. The plant is adapted to arid environments and requires soil with excellent drainage to thrive. When planting, mix the soil with coarse sand and perlite to create a well-draining soil mix.
The Lithops fulleri N.E.Br. var. chrysocephala (Nel) de Boer requires bright and direct sunlight, so place it where there is sufficient sunlight. A well-ventilated location or region is preferred by this plant. This is due to their natural habitat's bright sun and hot weather. Cultivate the plant in areas that receive at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily.
Watering Needs
The Lithops fulleri N.E.Br. var. chrysocephala (Nel) de Boer requires a minimal amount of water compared to other plants. To avoid over-watering and root rot, ensure that the soil is totally dry before watering again. It is recommended to water the plant once a week in summers and every two weeks in winters. The best way to water the plant is by using a spray or dropper to target the soil near the plant's roots and not the plant itself.
Fertilization
The Lithops fulleri N.E.Br. var. chrysocephala (Nel) de Boer does not require much fertilization. However, during the plant's growing season, you may sprinkle half-strength liquid fertilizer onto the soil. Do not overfeed the plant with fertilizer. Overfeeding can lead to overgrowth, which could be unsightly.
Pruning
Pruning is not necessary for Lithops fulleri N.E.Br. var. chrysocephala (Nel) de Boer. However, removing dead or dying leaves is essential as it improves the plant's appearance and avoids attracting pests and diseases. To remove these leaves, use sharp shears to cut the leaf's base, taking care not to damage the plant. Additionally, the plant has two distinct leaves that should not be cut off.
Propagation of Lithops fulleri N.E.Br. var. chrysocephala (Nel) de Boer
Lithops fulleri N.E.Br. var. chrysocephala (Nel) de Boer can be propagated by either seed or division.
Propagation by Seed
Propagation by seed is the most common method for Lithops fulleri N.E.Br. var. chrysocephala (Nel) de Boer. The seeds should be sown in a well-draining mix of sand and peat moss. Ensure that the mixture is moist, but not soaking wet. The seeds will germinate in a few weeks under the appropriate temperature and light conditions.
The young seedlings should be kept in a warm and humid environment until they are well established. After that, they should be gradually exposed to drier and cooler conditions until they are strong enough to be transplanted into their pots.
Propagation by Division
Propagation by division is an alternative method to reproduce Lithops fulleri N.E.Br. var. chrysocephala (Nel) de Boer. This technique involves separating the offsets or pups from the mother plant during the growing season.
To do this, gently loosen the soil around the mother plant and remove it from its pot. Inspect the roots carefully and identify the offsets or pups that have developed their own roots. Gently separate them from the mother plant, and plant them in individual pots with well-draining soil.
The newly separated plants may need some time to establish their roots before they can be exposed to full sunlight. Therefore, it is better to keep them in a shaded and warm environment for a week or two before moving them to their final location.
Disease Management
Lithops fulleri N.E.Br. var. chrysocephala is known to be susceptible to several diseases. One of the most common diseases that can affect this plant is leaf rot, caused by overwatering or excessively moist soil. In order to prevent leaf rot, it is important to ensure that the soil is well-draining and that the plant is not watered excessively. Fungal diseases such as powdery mildew and botrytis can also affect the plant, so it is important to keep the foliage dry and to avoid overcrowding the plants.
If leaf rot or fungal diseases are detected, it is important to remove the infected parts of the plant and treat it with a fungicide. Additionally, maintaining good air circulation around the plant can help prevent fungal diseases.
Pest Management
There are several pests that can affect Lithops fulleri N.E.Br. var. chrysocephala. One of the most common pests is the mealybug. Mealybugs feed on the sap of the plant and can cause stunted growth and yellowing of the foliage. In order to manage mealybugs, it is important to regularly inspect the plant for infestations and to remove any affected parts. Additionally, using insecticidal soap or neem oil can help control mealybug populations.
Another pest that can affect Lithops fulleri N.E.Br. var. chrysocephala is the spider mite. These pests feed on the sap of the plant and can cause yellowing of the leaves and a fine webbing over the plant. To manage spider mites, it is important to regularly spray the plant with water and to increase humidity around the plant. Using insecticidal soap or neem oil can also help control spider mite populations.
Finally, thrips can also affect the plant by sucking the sap from the foliage. This can cause distorted growth and brown spots on the leaves. To manage thrips, it is important to regularly inspect the plant for infestations. Using sticky traps or spraying the plant with insecticidal soap can also help control thrips populations.
