Origin
Lithops pseudotruncatella (A.Berger) N.E.Br. subsp. volkii (Schwantes ex de Boer & Boom) D.T.Cole, commonly known as Volk's Living Stone, is a South African native succulent plant. It is native to the Succulent Karoo biome in the northern Cape Province and western Karoo region of South Africa.
Common Names
Volk's Living Stone is also commonly known as Lithops volkii, Pseudotruncatella volkii, and Volk's Mesemb.
Uses
Volk's Living Stone is widely cultivated as an ornamental plant due to its unique appearance and easy maintenance requirements. As a succulent, it is drought-tolerant and needs well-drained soil and minimal watering. This plant is often used in rock gardens, terrariums, and container gardening.
General Appearance
Volk's Living Stone is a small, slow-growing succulent with a flattened, stem-like body that arises from a taproot. The plant's body is divided into two or four confluent pairs of thick, fleshy leaves with truncated tops. The leaves are green in color, with a rough, pebble-like texture on the top and a smooth surface on the bottom. They form a cleft between them, which produces a central fissure. This fissure splits into a flower stalk or new leaves during the growing season. The flowers of this plant are yellow or white in color and appear in the fall or winter.
Light Requirements
Lithops pseudotruncatella subsp. volkii typically grows best in bright light conditions. It prefers full sun for at least a few hours a day but should be protected from the most intense midday sun. The plant can also be grown under artificial light, provided that the light source is bright enough.
Temperature Requirements
The ideal temperature range for Lithops pseudotruncatella subsp. volkii is between 60°F (15.5°C) and 80°F (26.7°C). It can tolerate temperatures as low as 40°F (4.4°C) and as high as 95°F (35°C), but it may not grow as well at these extremes. It is important to note that the plant cannot tolerate frost and should be protected from freezing temperatures.
Soil Requirements
Lithops pseudotruncatella subsp. volkii prefers a well-draining soil mix that is specifically formulated for succulent plants. A good soil mix should include a combination of sand, perlite, and/or vermiculite. The plant is also tolerant of slightly acidic to slightly alkaline soils with a pH range of 6.0 to 7.5. It should be watered sparingly, allowing the soil to dry out completely before watering again.
Cultivation
Lithops pseudotruncatella (A.Berger) N.E.Br. subsp. volkii (Schwantes ex de Boer & Boom) D.T.Cole is a small, slow-growing succulent plant that is relatively easy to cultivate. It tolerates a wide range of temperatures and can be grown both indoors and outdoors.
When planting, use well-draining soil that is specifically formulated for cacti and succulents. Add a layer of coarse sand or gravel to the bottom of the pot to ensure proper drainage. Plant the Lithops pseudotruncatella subsp. volkii in a shallow pot that is only a little larger than the plant itself. This will help to restrict the plant's growth and encourage it to flower.
Watering Needs
Lithops pseudotruncatella subsp. volkii is a drought-tolerant plant and prefers well-drained soil that is allowed to dry out between waterings. Water the plant thoroughly when the soil is completely dry. During the summer months, the plant may require more frequent watering.
Be careful not to overwater the plant as this can cause the roots to rot. Similarly, avoid getting water on the plant's leaves as this can lead to fungal infections.
Fertilization
Lithops pseudotruncatella subsp. volkii does not require frequent fertilization. During the growing season, fertilize the plant once a month with a cactus or succulent-specific fertilizer. Always follow the instructions on the label and be careful not to over-fertilize.
Pruning
Lithops pseudotruncatella subsp. volkii does not require pruning as it has a naturally compact habit. However, it is important to remove any dead or diseased leaves as soon as possible to prevent the spread of infection. To remove dead leaves, gently tug on the leaf where it meets the base of the plant. If it comes away easily, it is dead and can be removed.
Propagation of Lithops pseudotruncatella subsp. volkii
Lithops pseudotruncatella subsp. volkii can be propagated through three methods, including by seed, by division, and by "puppy" offsets.
Propagation by Seed
The seeds of Lithops pseudotruncatella subsp. volkii are very tiny and should be sown in a soil mix that is well-draining and has good aeration. It is recommended to use an unglazed clay pot or a plastic pot with an open top for sowing the seeds. The seeds should be scattered over the top of the soil and should not be covered. It is important to keep the soil moist but not too wet, and it is also recommended to cover the pot with a plastic bag to retain moisture. The pot should be placed in a warm spot but not in direct sunlight. The seeds of Lithops pseudotruncatella subsp. volkii typically germinate within two to four weeks.
Propagation by Division
This method of propagation involves separating an existing Lithops pseudotruncatella subsp. volkii plant into two or more parts. In order to perform this method, it is recommended to wait until the plant has produced several pairs of leaves. Carefully lift the plant from its pot and gently separate the clump of leaves into smaller sections. Each section should have its own roots and several pairs of leaves. After separating the sections, each should be planted in its own pot with a soil mix that is well-draining and has good aeration. It is important to keep the soil moist but not too wet and to avoid direct sunlight until the plants have rooted.
Propagation by "Puppy" Offsets
"Puppy" offsets are small plantlets that grow from the base of the parent plant. These offsets can be separated from the parent plant when they have several pairs of leaves and their own roots. The process of separating the offsets from the parent plant is similar to the process of division, where each offset should be planted in its own pot with a soil mix that is well-draining and has good aeration. It is important to keep the soil moist but not too wet and to avoid direct sunlight until the plants have rooted.
Disease and Pest Management for Lithops pseudotruncatella subsp. volkii
Lithops pseudotruncatella subsp. volkii is generally a low-maintenance plant. However, as with any plant, it may be susceptible to certain diseases and pests. The following are common issues that may affect this species and the recommended ways to manage them.
Common Pests
Spider Mites: These tiny pests are often found on the undersides of leaves and can cause the leaves to turn yellow or speckled. They also produce fine webbing. Spider mites can be controlled by washing the plant regularly with a strong jet of water and applying a miticide if necessary.
Mealybugs: These insects appear as white cottony masses often seen at the base of the plant or in leaf axils. They can cause stunted growth, wilting or distorted leaves. Mealybugs should be removed by wiping them off with a cotton swab dipped in alcohol. Alternatively, they can be treated with an insecticidal soap or neem oil.
Scale Insects: These pests appear as small bumps on the plant. They can cause a yellowing of leaves or even death of the plant. They should be removed by scraping them off with a fingernail or a soft-bristled brush. Alternatively, they can be treated with an insecticidal soap or neem oil.
Common Diseases
Root Rot: Overwatering or poor drainage can lead to root rot, which is caused by fungal pathogens. Symptoms include yellowing or wilting leaves, leaf drop, and fungus growth on roots. To prevent root rot, allow the soil to dry out between watering and ensure adequate drainage. Affected plants should be repotted into fresh soil and the infected roots removed.
Leaf Spot: This is a fungal disease that appears as brown or black spots on leaves. Affected leaves should be removed immediately to prevent the spread of the disease. Avoid wetting the leaves when watering and provide good air circulation around plants to prevent leaf spot.
By implementing the above pest and disease control measures, Lithops pseudotruncatella subsp. volkii can thrive and remain healthy.
