Origin and Common Names
Lithops karasmontana (Dinter & Schwantes) N.E.Br. var. summitatum (Dinter) de Boer & Boom, commonly known as Karas Mountains Living Stone, is an attractive succulent plant species that belongs to the Aizoaceae family. This plant is native to the rocky outcrops of the Karas Mountains in southern Namibia.
General Appearance
Lithops karasmontana var. summitatum is a small, stemless, and clump-forming plant that typically grows up to 2-3 cm tall and 4-5 cm wide. The leaves of this plant are fused together to form a flattened, slightly curved, and keeled body that resembles a pebble or stone. The plant's leaf color varies from light grey to greenish-grey, with a reddish-brown spot at the top.
During the autumn months, Lithops karasmontana var. summitatum produces a small, yellowish-white flower that appears in the plant's cleft. The plant's flowers are small and daisy-like, with a diameter of around 1.5 cm.
Uses
Lithops karasmontana var. summitatum is primarily grown as a decorative plant and is often used to create beautiful rock gardens, succulent displays, or miniature landscapes. This plant is also grown in pots or containers on windowsills or patios, especially in areas with mild to warm climates.
The plant's unique appearance and low maintenance needs make it a popular choice amongst beginners and small-scale growers interested in succulent plants. Additionally, the plant's pebble-like appearance allows it to blend well with rocks and hardscapes, making it an ideal plant species for landscaping and garden design projects.
Light Requirements
Lithops karasmontana var. summitatum prefers bright, indirect sunlight. They are adapted to growing in the harsh Namib desert environment, which receives intense, direct sunlight. However, in cultivation, direct sunlight can scorch and damage the plant. Therefore, it is best to provide filtered or indirect light, such as through a sheer curtain or window with a light shade.
Temperature Requirements
Lithops karasmontana var. summitatum grows best in a warm, dry environment. Temperatures between 20-30°C (68-86°F) are ideal. These plants can tolerate higher temperatures, but they do not do well in cold temperatures. During the winter months, the temperature should not drop below 5°C (41°F).
Soil Requirements
Lithops karasmontana var. summitatum requires well-draining soil with a high mineral content. In the wild, these plants grow in shallow, rocky soils that are low in organic matter. Therefore, it is best to use a commercial cactus mix or create a custom mix using sand, perlite, and gravel. Avoid using peat moss or other organic materials, as they retain moisture and can lead to root rot.
Cultivation:
Lithops karasmontana (Dinter & Schwantes) N.E.Br. var. summitatum (Dinter) de Boer & Boom can be cultivated both outdoors and indoors. It requires well-draining soil and a sunny location. The perfect soil mixture is composed of equal parts sand, perlite, and peat moss. In the garden, plant them in raised beds or containers with drainage holes. Indoors, use shallow containers with adequate drainage to plant them.
Watering Needs:
Water Lithops karasmontana (Dinter & Schwantes) N.E.Br. var. summitatum (Dinter) de Boer & Boom sparingly. This plant prefers dry soil conditions and can withstand drought. During the summer months, water it once every few weeks and maintain a dry soil environment. In contrast, during the winter months, a light watering every month is sufficient. Over-watering Lithops karasmontana (Dinter & Schwantes) N.E.Br. var. summitatum (Dinter) de Boer & Boom can lead to root rot and disease.
Fertilization:
Since Lithops karasmontana (Dinter & Schwantes) N.E.Br. var. summitatum (Dinter) de Boer & Boom is a slow-growing plant, fertilizing it is not necessary. However, if fertilization is provided, use a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer with a half-strength application every three months during spring and summer.
Pruning:
Lithops karasmontana (Dinter & Schwantes) N.E.Br. var. summitatum (Dinter) de Boer & Boom does not require pruning. However, it may occasionally produce some unsightly leaves or flowers that need to be removed. Remove any dead leaves, flowers, or stems with a clean and sterilized pair of scissors to prevent the spread of disease.
Propagation of Lithops karasmontana (Dinter & Schwantes) N.E.Br. var. summitatum (Dinter) de Boer & Boom
Lithops karasmontana var. summitatum is a unique succulent that is native to South Africa. Propagation of this plant can be done in two ways:
Seed Propagation
The primary method of propagating Lithops karasmontana var. summitatum is through seed propagation. To begin, collect ripe seeds from a mature plant during the flowering period. The seeds should be cleaned and disinfected before sowing. Place the seeds on the surface of a well-draining soil mix in a container with adequate drainage holes. The container should be placed in a location with bright, indirect light and temperatures between 15-20°C. Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged until the seeds germinate in 2-4 weeks. After germination, gradually reduce watering, and allow the soil to dry out before watering again. The seedlings should be transplanted carefully into individual pots when they develop their first true leaves.
Division Propagation
Another way to propagate Lithops karasmontana var. summitatum is through division. This method is done by separating offsets from the parent plant. The offsets should be carefully removed and left to dry for 2-3 days before replanting in a well-draining soil mix. Place the newly propagated plant in a location with bright, indirect light and temperatures between 15-20°C. Water sparingly until the plant becomes established.
Disease and Pest Management for Lithops karasmontana (Dinter & Schwantes) N.E.Br. var. summitatum (Dinter) de Boer & Boom
Lithops karasmontana (Dinter & Schwantes) N.E.Br. var. summitatum (Dinter) de Boer & Boom is a succulent plant that is generally disease and pest resistant. However, certain environmental conditions can create favorable conditions for some diseases and pests to attack. Therefore, it’s important to be aware of the common diseases and pests which might affect the plant to prevent their occurrence and take necessary action in time.
Common Diseases
Fungal diseases are common in Lithops karasmontana (Dinter & Schwantes) N.E.Br. var. summitatum (Dinter) de Boer & Boom, especially if the plant is overwatered. One of the most frequently encountered fungal diseases is root rot, which can happen when the plant is inappropriately watered and the soil remains wet. To avoid this, ensure that the soil is well-draining and the plant is regularly watered only when the soil has completely dried out. If noticed, the infected plants should be removed, and the soil should be replaced.
Another common disease is leaf spot, which is a fungal infection that creates small brown spots on leaves and might cause them to fall off. This disease could be treated by removing the infected parts of the leaf and avoiding splashing water on the foliage.
Common Pests
Mealybugs and scale insects could be dangerous pests for Lithops karasmontana (Dinter & Schwantes) N.E.Br. var. summitatum (Dinter) de Boer & Boom. They suck sap from the plant, leading to yellowing leaves, stunted growth, and in severe cases, death. These pests can be removed by using a cotton ball soaked in rubbing alcohol and rubbing it on the mealybugs or scales. After this, the plant can be washed with soapy water and rinsed thoroughly.
Spider mites are another pest that could cause significant harm to the plant, especially in hot and dry conditions. They leave small webs on the plant and suck fluids from the leaves, leading to stunted growth and yellowing. To get rid of spider mites, ensure the plant has enough humidity, and mist it regularly.
It's essential to examine the Lithops karasmontana (Dinter & Schwantes) N.E.Br. var. summitatum (Dinter) de Boer & Boom plant regularly for indications of pests and diseases so that these can be treated quickly before they cause irreversible damage.
