Origin
Lithops lesliei (N.E.Br.) N.E.Br. forma cv. "albiflora" D.T.Cole, commonly known as White Flowers Living Stones, is a succulent species that belongs to the family Aizoaceae. The plant is native to South Africa and can be found growing in the rocky areas of the Namaqualand region.
Common Names
White Flowers Living Stones is the most common name for Lithops lesliei (N.E.Br.) N.E.Br. forma cv. "albiflora" D.T.Cole. The plant is also known as Stone Plants or Living Stones due to its unique appearance that resembles stones.
Uses
Lithops lesliei (N.E.Br.) N.E.Br. forma cv. "albiflora" D.T.Cole is mostly grown as an ornamental plant in rock gardens, container gardens, and as houseplants. The plant's unique appearance makes it an attractive addition to any garden or indoor space. Additionally, the plant is drought-tolerant and requires minimal care, making it an ideal choice for beginners or those with busy lifestyles.
General Appearance
White Flowers Living Stones is a small, slow-growing succulent species that forms clusters of compact, paired leaves. The plant's leaves have a flattened shape and are fused together at the base, giving them the appearance of stones. Lithops lesliei (N.E.Br.) N.E.Br. forma cv. "albiflora" D.T.Cole produces white, daisy-like flowers in the fall that contrast beautifully with the plant's green and gray-colored leaves. The plant grows up to 2 inches tall and 3 inches wide and prefers well-drained, sandy soil with minimal moisture.
Light Requirements
Lithops lesliei "albiflora" requires bright but indirect light. Direct sunlight can damage the plant's leaves. The plant can thrive in partial shade or under fluorescent lights if the light is not too intense.
Temperature Requirements
The ideal temperature range for this Lithops variety is between 60-80°F (15-27°C). However, this plant can tolerate temperature fluctuations and can survive brief periods at temperatures below 32°F (0°C).
Soil Requirements
Lithops lesliei "albiflora" requires a well-draining soil mix with a high content of mineral grit or sand. The soil should be slightly acidic with a pH range of 6.5 to 7.5. A mix of sandy loam and gravel in a 50:50 ratio is ideal for this plant. It is important to avoid overwatering and to allow the soil to dry out completely between waterings.
Cultivation Methods for Lithops lesliei (N.E.Br.) N.E.Br. forma cv. "albiflora" D.T.Cole
Lithops lesliei is a succulent plant that requires well-draining soil, ample sunlight, and dry conditions to thrive. The plant should be kept in a pot with ample drainage holes to avoid waterlogging, which can cause root rot. The ideal potting medium for Lithops lesliei is a blend of perlite, coarse sand, and regular potting soil. The pot should be placed in a sunny location, such as a windowsill.
Watering Needs for Lithops lesliei (N.E.Br.) N.E.Br. forma cv. "albiflora" D.T.Cole
Lithops lesliei requires minimal watering. The plant should be watered only when the soil is completely dry. Overwatering can lead to root rot and cause the plant to die. It is better to underwater than overwater. In the winter, the plant may need to be watered even less often, as the cooler temperatures will slow down the plant's metabolism and water usage.
Fertilization of Lithops lesliei (N.E.Br.) N.E.Br. forma cv. "albiflora" D.T.Cole
Lithops lesliei does not require much fertilization. A small amount of cactus fertilizer can be added to the potting soil once a month during the growing season. Overfertilization can lead to excessive plant growth, which can in turn cause the plant to crack or split.
Pruning Lithops lesliei (N.E.Br.) N.E.Br. forma cv. "albiflora" D.T.Cole
Lithops lesliei does not require pruning. However, if the leaves become damaged or diseased, they should be removed to prevent the spread of infection. Use clean, sharp scissors or pruning shears to make the cut just above the healthy tissue. If the plant's growth becomes too excessive, it may need to be divided or repotted into a larger container.
Propagation of Lithops lesliei
Lithops lesliei (N.E.Br.) N.E.Br. is typically propagated using seed. Vegetative propagation is also possible but is not recommended as the resulting plants may lack the characteristics of the parent plant.
Propagating using seed
Propagation of Lithops lesliei by seed is the most common method. The seeds should be sown in a well-draining soil mix and kept moist until they germinate. Germination can take several weeks or even months, and seeds may germinate sporadically over time.
After germination, the seedlings should be grown in a bright, sunny location. Care should be taken not to overwater, as Lithops are prone to rot. Once the seedlings have grown enough to handle, they can be transplanted into individual pots.
Propagating vegetatively
Vegetative propagation can be accomplished using offsets or by dividing clumps. However, it is not recommended as there is a risk of genetic variation and loss of desirable traits in the resulting plants.
Disease Management
Lithops lesliei is susceptible to several diseases, such as root and stem rot, leaf spots, and viruses. To manage these diseases, it is recommended to keep the plant in well-draining soil and avoid overwatering. Additionally, practicing good sanitation methods by removing infected plant material and avoiding contact with other plants can help prevent the spread of diseases.
Pest Management
Common pests that might affect Lithops lesliei include mealybugs, spider mites, and thrips. To manage these pests, it may be helpful to regularly inspect the plant and remove any visible pests or webs. It is also recommended to use insecticidal soap or neem oil to control infestations. Additionally, keeping the plant in a well-ventilated area and avoiding overcrowding can help prevent pest problems.
