Origin
Lithops lesliei (N.E.Br.) N.E.Br. var. hornii de Boer is native to Southern Africa. It is commonly found in the northwestern Cape Province of South Africa, Namibia, and nearby regions.
Common Names
Lithops lesliei (N.E.Br.) N.E.Br. var. hornii de Boer is commonly known as Leslie's living stone, hornii living stone, or mottled living stone. The name "living stone" comes from the plant's ability to blend in with its surroundings, particularly in rocky areas, to the point where it can be difficult to spot them.
Appearance
Lithops lesliei (N.E.Br.) N.E.Br. var. hornii de Boer is a small, slow-growing succulent with a unique, stone-like appearance. It consist of a pair of leaves that are fused together, forming a slit-like opening at the top. The plant's leaves are greyish-green, with brown or reddish spots and have a rough and craggy texture. It grows to about 4 cm in diameter and produces white or yellow flowers in autumn.
Uses
Lithops lesliei (N.E.Br.) N.E.Br. var. hornii de Boer is mainly used as an ornamental plant due to its unique appearance. It is also used in xeriscaping, a type of landscaping that uses low-water plants that are native to the region. This plant can survive in harsh conditions with little water, making it perfect for gardens in arid climates. Finally, the Lithops plant has medicinal uses in traditional African medicine. It is used as a vasoconstrictor, which means that it can help prevent bleeding and promote healing.
Light Requirements
The plant Lithops lesliei var. hornii de Boer thrives best in plenty of bright, indirect sunlight. It is recommended to place the plant near a south-facing window or under artificial light for at least six hours daily. Direct sunlight must be limited since Lithops lesliei var. hornii de Boer is a succulent and can suffer from sunburn.
Temperature Requirements
Lithops lesliei var. hornii de Boer requires warm temperatures, especially during the growing season. The plant's ideal temperature range is between 60°F to 80°F (15.5°C to 26.5°C). During the rest season, the temperature should reduce to between 50°F and 60°F (10°C to 15.5°C). Exposure to frost or extreme heat can harm or kill the plant.
Watering and Soil Requirements
Lithops lesliei var. hornii de Boer thrives well in nutrient-poor, well-draining soil. The soil must be permeable and slightly acidic, with a pH of around 6.0 to 6.5. To prevent damage to their roots, Lithops lesliei var. hornii de Boer must be planted in low-nutrition medium such as a mixture of sand, perlite, and cactus soil. The plant should be watered sparingly, with more watering needed during its growing season in the summer. The root system of Lithops lesliei var. hornii de Boer is shallow, so it is crucial to avoid drowning the plant by allowing water to pool on the soil's surface or in the pot's drainage dish. The best way to water the plant is through the 'soak and dry' method whereby the soil is soaked entirely until the water drains out and left to dry out before the next watering.
Cultivation methods
Lithops lesliei var. hornii de Boer is a fascinating plant that requires specific growing conditions for optimal growth. Firstly, they should be planted in a well-draining potting mix, preferably mixed with sand or pumice, and kept in a small container to simulate their natural growing conditions. They thrive in bright, indirect sunlight and should be placed near a window that provides at least four hours of natural light per day.
Watering Needs
It is important to water Lithops sparingly, especially during their dormancy period. During the growing season, they should be watered when the soil is completely dry, and the container should be thoroughly soaked. Avoid getting water on the plant's body, as this can cause rot and fungal infections. During the dormancy period, the plant should not be watered at all.
Fertilization
Lithops lesliei var. hornii de Boer requires minimal fertilization, and it is best to limit it to the growing season. Use a low-nitrogen liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength, applied every three months between late spring and early autumn.
Pruning
Pruning is generally not required for Lithops lesliei var. hornii de Boer. However, removing any dead or diseased foliage can help to prevent the spread of infection. When removing dead leaves, avoid pulling them off the plant, as this can damage the new growth. Use sterilized scissors or a sharp knife to cut off the leaf close to the base.
Propagation Methods for Lithops lesliei (N.E.Br.) N.E.Br. var. Hornii De Boer
Lithops lesliei (N.E.Br.) N.E.Br. var. hornii de Boer, commonly known as the horned living stone, is a succulent plant that is native to South Africa. Propagation of this unique plant species can be achieved through various methods which include:
Leaf Cuttings
Propagation of Lithops lesliei (N.E.Br.) N.E.Br. var. hornii de Boer can be done through leaf cuttings. Cut a healthy leaf from the mother plant at the base with a sharp and sterilized knife. Let the leaf dry for a period of 2-3 days. Then, place it on top of the soil mix (made up of 4 parts sand, 4 parts perlite, and 2 parts peat moss). Water with a light mist and wait for it to develop roots.
Division
Propagating by division is the most common method for Lithops lesliei (N.E.Br.) N.E.Br. var. hornii de Boer. You can either divide the plant in half or separate the pups from the base of the mother plant. It is important to remove any dead or rotting roots before planting the divided Lithops in a soil mix similar to the one described above.
Seeds
Seeds are another way of propagating Lithops lesliei (N.E.Br.) N.E.Br. var. hornii de Boer. You can use seeds obtained from the mother plant or acquire commercial seeds. Plant the seeds in a well-draining soil mix and keep the soil moist but not overly saturated. It is important to provide a warm and bright environment for the seeds to germinate.
Propagation of Lithops lesliei (N.E.Br.) N.E.Br. var. hornii de Boer requires patience and a steady approach. With proper care and attention, your plant collection can multiply and thrive for years to come.
Disease Management
Lithops lesliei (N.E.Br.) N.E.Br. var. hornii de Boer is susceptible to various diseases that can negatively impact its growth and development. The following are some of the common diseases that might affect the plant:
- Root Rot: This disease is caused by overwatering or poor draining. It can result in the plant's roots becoming soft, mushy, and discolored. To avoid root rot, ensure that the soil is well-draining and the plant is not overwatered.
- Leaf Spot: Leaf spot is a fungal disease that causes yellow or brown spots to appear on the leaves. The spots may be surrounded by a halo and can result in the leaves falling off the plant. Remove affected leaves and fertilize the plant to help boost its immunity from the disease.
- Stem Rot: Stem rot is caused by bacteria and can result in the plant turning mushy and dying. Remove affected parts of the plant and avoid overwatering to prevent the disease from spreading.
Pest Management
Lithops lesliei (N.E.Br.) N.E.Br. var. hornii de Boer is also vulnerable to pest infestations, which can have a detrimental impact on its growth and development. These are some of the common pests that might affect the plant:
- Aphids: Aphids are small insects that suck the sap from the plant, causing it to wilt and become stunted. Use insecticidal soap to get rid of the pests or introduce natural predators such as ladybugs.
- Spider Mites: Spider mites are tiny pests that can cause leaves to become dry, yellow, and fall off. They can be managed by increasing humidity around the plant or using insecticidal soap to get rid of the pests.
- Scale Insects: Scale insects are small, armored pests that feed on the plant's sap, causing it to become discolored and wilted. Use insecticidal soap or an alcohol solution to get rid of the pests, taking care to not harm the plant while doing so.
It is important to regularly inspect Lithops lesliei (N.E.Br.) N.E.Br. var. hornii de Boer for signs of disease or pest infestations. Early detection can help prevent the spread of the problem, making it easier to manage.
