Origin
Lithops lesliei (N.E.Br.) N.E.Br. var. minor de Boer is a succulent plant that belongs to the family of Aizoaceae. The plant is native to South Africa, where it grows in the Western Cape Province, specifically in the Namaqualand region.
Common names
Lithops lesliei (N.E.Br.) N.E.Br. var. minor de Boer is commonly known as "living stone" or "flowering stones". The plant gets its name from its appearance, which resembles small stones or pebbles.
Uses
Lithops lesliei (N.E.Br.) N.E.Br. var. minor de Boer is primarily used as a decorative plant. The plant is easy to care for and makes an excellent addition to rock gardens, succulent gardens, and terrariums. The plant is also popular among collectors of succulent plants.
General appearance
Lithops lesliei (N.E.Br.) N.E.Br. var. minor de Boer is a small succulent plant that grows up to 2.5 cm in diameter. The plant consists of two thick, fleshy leaves that are fused together to form a spherical or oval shape. The leaves are usually greenish-grey, grey or brownish-grey, and often have markings or spots that resemble the patterning of pebbles. The plant produces small, daisy-like flowers that are pink or white in color. The flowers bloom in the fall and are typically only an inch in size.
Light Requirements
Lithops lesliei var. minor de Boer prefers bright but indirect sunlight, especially during the winter season. During the hot summer months, it is best to provide some shade, as direct sunlight may cause sunburn to the plant. Growers should avoid placing the plant in direct sunlight for extended periods.
Temperature Requirements
The ideal temperature for growing Lithops lesliei var. minor de Boer ranges from 16°C to 24°C (61°F to 75°F) during the day and about 5°C to 13°C (41°F to 55°F) at night. Growers should avoid exposing the plant to extremely high temperatures or frost as these can cause irreparable damage to the plant.
Soil Requirements
Lithops lesliei var. minor de Boer prefers well-draining soils with a slightly acidic to slightly alkaline pH between 6.0 and 7.5. The soils should be sandy, sterile, and free of organic matter and fertilizer. Growers should mix sand, perlite, and a small amount of topsoil to create the perfect soil mixture for the plant.
Cultivation methods
Lithops lesliei (N.E.Br.) N.E.Br. var. minor de Boer, commonly known as Leslie's living stone, is a succulent plant that can be grown both indoors and outdoors. It requires well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter and has a pH of around 6.5 to 7.5.
If you are planning on growing this plant outdoors, make sure that you plant it in an area that is sheltered from the direct sunlight. The plant prefers light shade, especially in the afternoon when the sun is at its hottest.
Lithops lesliei (N.E.Br.) N.E.Br. var. minor de Boer also prefers warm temperatures and can be grown in hardiness zones 9-11.
Watering needs
The watering needs of Lithops lesliei (N.E.Br.) N.E.Br. var. minor de Boer are minimal. In fact, overwatering is one of the most common mistakes made by growers and can lead to root rot and other problems.
It is best to water this plant sparingly, only when the soil feels completely dry to the touch. During the winter months, the plant can go without water for several weeks.
Fertilization
Lithops lesliei (N.E.Br.) N.E.Br. var. minor de Boer requires very little fertilization. In fact, too much fertilizer can be harmful to the plant and can cause damage to the roots and leaves.
If you decide to fertilize the plant, use a balanced fertilizer that is low in nitrogen. Apply the fertilizer sparingly, following the instructions on the package.
Pruning
Pruning is not necessary for Lithops lesliei (N.E.Br.) N.E.Br. var. minor de Boer. However, it is important to remove any dead or dying leaves as they can attract pests and diseases.
If you notice any damaged or diseased leaves, remove them and dispose of them carefully.
Propagation of Lithops lesliei (N.E.Br.) N.E.Br. var. minor de Boer
Lithops lesliei (N.E.Br.) N.E.Br. var. minor de Boer, commonly known as the dwarf flowering stones, is a unique succulent plant that is quite popular among horticulturists. Propagation of this plant can be done asexually by using its seeds, offsets, or leaf cuttings.
Propagation by Seeds
Propagation by seeds is the most common and easy way to grow new Lithops lesliei plants. The seeds should be sown in a well-draining mixture of sand, perlite, and peat. The seeds should be covered with a thin layer of the soil mix and kept moist by covering with a plastic sheet or dome. It takes around two to four weeks for the seeds to germinate depending on the environmental conditions.
Propagation by Offsets
Propagation by offsets is another way to increase the Lithops lesliei population. The offsets or pups are baby plants that grow around the main plant. Once these pups are large enough, they can be separated from the parent plant and planted in a new pot. Make sure to use a well-draining mix to avoid waterlogging and root rot.
Propagation by Leaf Cuttings
Propagation by leaf cuttings is a bit more complicated than the other methods and requires some patience. Select a mature leaf from the plant, cut it at the base, and let it dry for a few days. After the leaf has dried, place it on a well-draining mixture of sand and perlite and keep it moist. After some time, small baby plants will emerge from the base of the leaf. Once they are big enough, they can be transplanted to a new pot.
Disease and Pest Management for Lithops lesliei (N.E.Br.) N.E.Br. var. minor de Boer
Lithops lesliei (N.E.Br.) N.E.Br. var. minor de Boer, commonly known as the ‘Living Stones’ plant, is a succulent that is well adapted to surviving harsh conditions. However, like any other plant, it can be susceptible to diseases and pests that can greatly affect its health and growth. Therefore, it is important to implement proper disease and pest management practices to keep this plant healthy and thriving.
Common diseases
The most common diseases that affect Lithops lesliei (N.E.Br.) N.E.Br. var. minor de Boer include:
- Rot: This disease is caused by overwatering or poor drainage. It can lead to the plant’s death if not managed. To prevent rot, avoid overwatering and ensure that the soil is well-draining.
- Fungal Diseases: Fungal diseases such as powdery mildew and grey mold can affect the plant. They are caused by excessive humidity and dampness. To control fungal diseases, ensure the plant is in a well-ventilated area and avoid watering the leaves.
- Viral Diseases: Viral diseases such as Mosaic Virus can affect Lithops lesliei (N.E.Br.) N.E.Br. var. minor de Boer. The disease causes irregular patterns of yellow and green on the leaves and stunted growth. There is no cure for viral diseases, so it is best to remove the affected plant to prevent the spread.
Common pests
Just like any other plant, Lithops lesliei (N.E.Br.) N.E.Br. var. minor de Boer can be infested by pests such as:
- Mealybugs: Mealybugs are white, fluffy pests that suck the sap from the plant. They can cause damage to the plant and reduce its vigor. To manage mealybugs, scrape them off the plant using a toothbrush or cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol.
- Spider mites: Spider mites are tiny pests that are hard to see with the naked eye. They cause yellow spots on the leaves and webbing on the plant. To manage spider mites, spray the plant with a mixture of water and neem oil or insecticidal soap.
- Scale insects: Scale insects are small, round, and sticky pests that suck the sap from the leaves. They cause yellowing of the leaves and stunted growth. To manage scale insects, use rubbing alcohol to wipe them off the plant.
In conclusion, Lithops lesliei (N.E.Br.) N.E.Br. var. minor de Boer can be affected by diseases and pests that can greatly affect its health and growth. Therefore, it is important to implement proper disease and pest management practices to keep the plant healthy and thriving.
