Origin and Common Names
Lithops lesliei (N.E.Br.) N.E.Br. forma cv. "albinica" D.T.Cole, commonly known as the living stone plant, is a succulent native to Southern Africa. It is a member of the Aizoaceae family, which is known for its various and unique plant species. This specific variety of Lithops lesliei is named for its pale white, almost translucent, appearance and lack of pigment in comparison to its green counterparts.
General Appearance
The Lithops lesliei forma cv. "albinica" plant grows naturally in a compact, low-wart profile that resembles a stone. The plant consists of two flattened, disc-shaped leaves that are fused together at their base. Each of these leaves has a top "window" that allows sunlight to penetrate into the plant and aid in photosynthesis. The plant's small, white, and star-like flowers appear in the fall.
Uses
Lithops lesliei forma cv. "albinica" is a unique and attractive addition to any rocky or succulent gardening setup. As with other Lithops varieties, this plant is often used for ornamental purposes. It is also a popular plant for collectors due to its stunning appearance and relatively low maintenance requirements.
However, it is vital to note that Lithops lesliei forma cv. "albinica" is not suitable for consumption. It is a succulent, which means that it stores water in its leaves. The plant may contain toxins and could be harmful to humans or animals if ingested.
Light Requirements
Lithops lesliei (N.E.Br.) N.E.Br. forma cv. "albinica" D.T.Cole, is a succulent plant that requires plenty of sunlight. It thrives in bright, indirect light and will grow well if placed in a sunny window. Direct sunlight should be avoided as it may cause damage to the plant.
Temperature Requirements
The ideal temperature for Lithops lesliei (N.E.Br.) N.E.Br. forma cv. "albinica" D.T.Cole ranges from 50-85°F (10-30°C). During the summer and spring months, the plant can tolerate slightly higher temperatures, but during the winter months, it should be kept in a cooler area with a minimum temperature of 50°F (10°C).
Soil Requirements
The soil for Lithops lesliei (N.E.Br.) N.E.Br. forma cv. "albinica" D.T.Cole should be well-draining and sandy. A mixture of sand, perlite, and peat moss will provide the ideal growing conditions for the plant. The plant should be planted in shallow containers as its roots do not go deep into the soil. It's important to avoid using soil that retains too much moisture, as this can lead to root rot and other problems.
Watering Requirements
Lithops lesliei (N.E.Br.) N.E.Br. forma cv. "albinica" D.T.Cole is a type of succulent that requires little watering. The plant should be watered sparingly, only when the soil is completely dry. Overwatering can cause the plant to rot, so it's important to be cautious when watering. During the winter months, the plant should be watered even less frequently.
Cultivation methods
Lithops lesliei (N.E.Br.) N.E.Br. forma cv. "albinica" D.T.Cole is a unique, fascinating, and low-maintenance plant. These plants require a bright, sunny location that gets at least 4-5 hours of direct sunlight daily. They grow well in well-draining soil that is slightly acidic and has good drainage. The ideal temperature range for these plants is between 70 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit during the day and around 50-60 degrees Fahrenheit at night.
Watering needs
Watering Lithops lesliei (N.E.Br.) N.E.Br. forma cv. "albinica" D.T.Cole is one of the essential tasks in caring for them. They are succulent plants that can store water in their leaves, and as such, they require infrequent watering. Watering once every 10-14 days is sufficient, but it is essential to ensure that the soil is dry before watering. Overwatering can lead to rot, which is lethal to these plants.
Fertilization
Lithops lesliei (N.E.Br.) N.E.Br. forma cv. "albinica" D.T.Cole doesn't require much fertilizer. Avoid fertilizing the plant during the winter as it is dormant during this time. During the growing season, you can fertilize every two to three weeks with a diluted cactus fertilizer. Avoid using too much fertilizer as this can harm the plant. A general rule of thumb is to fertilize sparingly every six to eight weeks.
Pruning
Pruning Lithops lesliei (N.E.Br.) N.E.Br. forma cv. "albinica" D.T.Cole is not necessary, as they are small, low-growing plants that don't require a lot of maintenance. However, you can remove yellow, withered, or dead leaves to keep the plant looking neat and tidy. Use a sterile pair of scissors to avoid introducing harmful bacteria that can lead to disease. Also, avoid cutting the plant's stem as it can lead to irreparable damage and can compromise the plant's health.
Propagation methods for Lithops lesliei forma cv. "albinica" D.T.Cole
Propagation of Lithops lesliei forma cv. "albinica" D.T.Cole, commonly known as the Living Stones plant, can be done through several methods. It is essential that the plant is healthy before propagation to ensure successful growth of offspring.
Division
Division is the most common method of propagation. It involves separating the offsets or "pups" from the mother plant. These offsets must have their roots and own foliage before removal. Leave the offsets to dry for up to three days before planting in their appropriate soil mix.
Seeds
Seeds are another way to propagate Lithops lesliei forma cv. "albinica" D.T.Cole. However, obtaining the seed is not easy, since the plant doesn't produce much seed. It's recommended to purchase Lithops seeds online or from a reliable garden center. Clean the seeds thoroughly before sowing them on a well-draining soil mix. It is crucial to keep the soil moist but not wet to prevent rotting. The seeds should germinate within two to three weeks.
Leaf cuttings
Leaf cuttings are a less common propagation method. Select a healthy leaf, detach it from the mother plant, and let the cutting dry for at least a day before planting in well-draining soil. The leaf must be planted about halfway in the soil mix. Keep the soil moist and wait for the plantlet to grow. Lithops lesliei forma cv. "albinica" D.T.Cole propagates slowly from leaf cuttings.
Disease Management
Lithops lesliei plants are generally disease-resistant, but they may be susceptible to root rot and fungal diseases if they are overwatered or watered improperly. To prevent disease from developing, plant Lithops in well-draining soil and ensure that the soil is dry before watering. If you notice any signs of disease, such as yellowing or wilting leaves, remove the infected area immediately. You may also consider applying a fungicide to the affected area to prevent the disease from spreading.
Pest Management
Lithops plants are generally pest-resistant, but they may occasionally attract mealybugs, spider mites, and scale insects. These pests can be controlled by using insecticidal soap or neem oil. If you notice any signs of infestation, such as white fuzzy patches or sticky residue on the plant's leaves, take action immediately to prevent the pests from spreading.
To apply insecticidal soap or neem oil, carefully follow the instructions on the label. It's important to apply the treatment only to the affected area and avoid getting any of the solution on the plant's healthy leaves or stem. You may need to repeat the treatment several times over the course of a few weeks to completely eliminate the pests.
