Origin
The Lithops olivacea L.Bolus var. nebrownii D.T.Cole, commonly known as the "Living Stone" plant, is native to the Cape Province region in South Africa. It thrives in dry, arid regions with rocky terrain and sandy soil.
Common Names
Aside from its nickname, the plant is also commonly called "Butterfly Lithops". This is because its bright yellow flowers resemble the wings of a butterfly.
Uses
Lithops olivacea L.Bolus var. nebrownii D.T.Cole is a popular ornamental plant because of its striking appearance and interesting lifecycle. It is often kept in containers or rock gardens, as it does not require much water and is relatively easy to care for. Some people also collect different Lithops species as a hobby.
General Appearance
The plant is small, typically growing only up to 2 inches in diameter. It is commonly mistaken for a rock or pebble, as it has evolved to blend in with its natural environment as a way to avoid being eaten by herbivores. It has two fleshy leaves that are split in the middle, giving the appearance of a cleft in the rock. The leaves are a green-grayish color with a slightly flattened top that is covered with small bumps. The plant usually produces a single flower that is yellow or white and shaped like a daisy. The flowers are small, only about 1 inch in diameter, and bloom in the fall.
Light Requirements
Lithops olivacea L.Bolus var. nebrownii D.T.Cole requires bright, indirect sunlight for optimal growth. It is important to avoid direct sunlight as this can lead to leaf scorching and damage. A south-facing windowsill or a location with filtered light is ideal for this plant.
Temperature Requirements
This plant prefers warm and dry environments, with temperatures ranging between 18°C to 24°C. In colder temperatures, Lithops may go dormant and stop growing until conditions improve. Care should be taken to avoid frost or freezing temperatures as this can cause the plant to die.
Soil Requirements
Lithops olivacea L.Bolus var. nebrownii D.T.Cole requires a well-draining soil mix that is low in nutrients. A mixture of sandy soil and perlite is recommended to provide good drainage and aeration. Avoid using soil mixes that contain peat moss or other organic matter as this can lead to root rot and death of the plant.
Cultivation Methods
Lithops olivacea L.Bolus var. nebrownii D.T.Cole, commonly known as Brown Lips, is a rare succulent plant that can be grown indoors and outdoors. It is native to South Africa and is popularly grown for its eye-catching and distinct shape and form. To cultivate this plant, you need to provide optimal growing conditions and ensure proper care.
The best way to cultivate Brown Lips is by growing it in well-draining soil. It is recommended that you plant it in a pot or container that has drainage holes. This type of soil helps prevent the roots from becoming waterlogged, which can lead to root rot. You can use a cactus potting mix or blend your soil mix using sand, perlite, and garden soil in a 1:1:2 ratio.
Brown Lips requires bright, indirect sunlight, so place it in a spot in your garden or house where it can get ample light. Full sun exposure may cause the plant to wilt or suffer from sunburn. Additionally, protect the plant from extreme temperatures and frost.
Watering Needs
It is essential to water Lithops olivacea L.Bolus var. nebrownii D.T.Cole sparingly, as they are succulent plants that store water in their leaves. Overwatering may cause the roots to rot or the plant to burst. Watering once in every two weeks or when the soil is dry is sufficient. Water the plant until the soil is moist but not soggy. During winter, reduce watering to once a month.
Avoid spraying water onto the plant. Instead, use a watering can to water directly onto the soil and avoid getting water on the leaves or stem.
Fertilization
Brown Lips requires little to no fertilization. Applying fertilizer may cause the plant to grow too fast and become weak. However, you can apply a weak dose of succulent fertilizer once a year during spring. Fertilize the plant when the soil is moist.
Pruning
Pruning is not necessary for Lithops olivacea L.Bolus var. nebrownii D.T.Cole. However, you can remove the dead leaves carefully by pressing the leaf bases gently between your fingers. If the leaves are hard to remove, use a sterilized cutting tool to cut them off.
Wear protective gloves while pruning as the plant's leaves have sharp edges, and the sap can cause skin irritation.
Propagation of Lithops Olivacea L.Bolus var. Nebrownii D.T.Cole
Lithops olivacea L.Bolus var. nebrownii D.T.Cole is a popular succulent plant that is known for its unique physical characteristics and ease of propagation. Propagation refers to the process of increasing the number of plants in an existing population, either through sexual or asexual reproduction. Here are some of the methods that you can use to propagate this plant:
Leaf Propagation
One of the easiest ways to propagate Lithops olivacea L.Bolus var. nebrownii D.T.Cole is through leaf propagation. To do this, simply remove a healthy leaf from the plant, making sure that it is free from any damage or disease. Allow the leaf to dry for a day or two, to prevent rot, before placing it on a soil mix that is well-draining. Keep the soil moist and wait for the plantlet to emerge from the base of the leaf. Be patient, as it can take several weeks or months before you see any signs of growth.
Seed Propagation
Another method of propagating Lithops olivacea L.Bolus var. nebrownii D.T.Cole is through seed propagation. This method is ideal if you want to produce a large population of plants. Collect ripe seeds from a healthy parent plant and sow them in a well-draining soil mix. Cover the seeds lightly with soil and moisten the soil with water. Place the pot in a bright location, but not in direct sunlight. Keep the soil moist by misting it regularly. Seedlings should emerge after a few days or weeks.
Division
Division is a method of propagation that involves splitting an existing plant into several smaller plants. This method is ideal for plants that have outgrown their container or those that have developed a clump of offsets. To do this, carefully remove the plant from its container and separate the offsets from the parent plant. Make sure that each offset has its own roots and leaves, and replant them in a well-draining soil mix. Water the newly replanted offsets lightly and keep them in a shaded place until they establish new roots and start to grow.
Disease Management for Lithops Olivacea L. Bolus Var. Nebrownii D.T.Cole
Lithops Olivacea L.Bolus var. nebrownii D.T.Cole is a succulent plant that is commonly grown indoors due to its unique appearance and low maintenance requirements. However, like all plants, it is susceptible to diseases and pests that can damage its health and appearance. The following are some of the common diseases that might affect Lithops Olivacea L.Bolus var. nebrownii, and how to manage them.
Fusarium
Fusarium is a fungal disease that affects the roots and stems of Lithops Olivacea L.Bolus var. nebrownii. The symptoms of this disease include root rot, wilting, and yellowing leaves. It can be caused by overwatering, poor drainage, or contaminated soil. To manage Fusarium, remove the infected plant parts, repot the plant in new, well-draining soil, and avoid overwatering.
Root Rot
Root rot is caused by a water-borne fungus called Phytophthora. The fungus attacks the roots of Lithops Olivacea L.Bolus var. nebrownii, causing them to rot, turn dark, and eventually die. The symptoms of this disease include yellowing leaves, stunted growth, and wilting. To manage root rot, remove the infected plant parts, and repot the plant in new, well-draining soil. Avoid overwatering and ensure that the pot has adequate drainage holes.
Pest Management for Lithops Olivacea L. Bolus Var. Nebrownii D.T.Cole
In addition to diseases, Lithops Olivacea L.Bolus var. nebrownii is also susceptible to certain pests that can damage its leaves and stem. The following are some of the common pests that might affect Lithops Olivacea L.Bolus var. nebrownii and how to manage them.
Spider Mites
Spider mites are one of the most common pests that affect Lithops Olivacea L.Bolus var. nebrownii. The pests suck the plant's juice from the leaves, causing them to turn yellow and dry out. To manage spider mites, spray the plant with insecticidal soap or neem oil, and ensure that the plant is well-hydrated to prevent drought stress.
Scale Insects
Scale insects are small, sap-sucking pests that attach themselves to the stems and leaves of Lithops Olivacea L.Bolus var. nebrownii. The pests secrete a sticky substance known as honeydew, which attracts other insects. To manage scale insects, wipe the affected plant parts with a cotton swab dipped in alcohol or insecticidal soap.
Mealybugs
Mealybugs are small, white insects that suck the sap from the leaves and stems of Lithops Olivacea L.Bolus var. nebrownii. They excrete honeydew, which attracts ants and promotes the growth of black sooty mold. To manage mealybugs, wipe the affected plant parts with a cotton swab dipped in alcohol or insecticidal soap, and isolate the plant from other susceptible plants.
