Origin
Lithops turbiniformis auct. var. subfenestrata de Boer, commonly known as the Turban-shaped Living Stone, is a succulent plant that is native to the rocky regions of South Africa.
Common Names
The plant is commonly known by its scientific name, Lithops turbiniformis auct. var. subfenestrata de Boer. It is also referred to as the Turban-shaped Living Stone.
Uses
The Turban-shaped Living Stone is often kept as a decorative plant due to its unique appearance. It is also used in rock gardens, as it blends well with stones and rocks. Due to its reduced need for water, the plant is an ideal choice for those who do not have a lot of time to devote to plant care.
General Appearance
The Turban-shaped Living Stone is a small, clump-forming succulent plant. It consists of two thick, fleshy leaves that are fused at the base. The plant is yellow-green to olive green in color and has small, raised dots or warts on the surface of its leaves. The leaves are shaped like a turban or a cone and have a small slit or nursery on top that is used to allow light into the plant for photosynthesis. The plant blooms in summer, producing small yellow flowers that are held on a stem above the leaves.
Light Requirements
Lithops turbiniformis auct. var. subfenestrata de Boer requires bright but filtered light. Direct sunlight could be harmful to the plant as it can cause sunburn. A south or east-facing window would be ideal for the plant. Artificial light sources like grow lights could also be used to supplement natural light sources.
Temperature Requirements
This species of Lithops usually thrives in warm temperatures between 20 to 25 degrees Celsius (68 to 77 degrees Fahrenheit) during the day and cooler temperatures between 10 to 15 degrees Celsius (50 to 59 degrees Fahrenheit) at night. It is important to note that they can tolerate temperature fluctuations but sudden swings in temperature should be avoided.
Soil Requirements
Lithops turbiniformis auct. var. subfenestrata de Boer typically grows best in well-draining soil that is gritty and sandy. The soil should be infused with a suitable amount of organic matter. A recommended mixture is two parts of inorganic material like coarse sand or perlite to one part of organic matter like peat moss or coconut coir. The soil pH should be slightly acidic or neutral.
Cultivation Methods
Lithops turbiniformis auct. var. subfenestrata de Boer requires well-draining soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.5 to thrive. It is best grown in a container, which provides better control over the moisture level. The container should have drainage holes to prevent waterlogging. It is recommended to place the container in an area receiving 4-6 hours of direct sunlight daily. This plant is susceptible to root rot, so it is advisable to avoid overwatering or keeping it in overly humid conditions.
Watering Needs
The watering frequency and amount depend on the temperature and humidity levels in the plant's environment. In hot, dry weather, the plant may require watering every two weeks, while during cooler, humid weather, watering every three weeks may suffice. When watering, it is best to allow the water to soak into the soil slowly. Pouring water over the plant can cause damage to its leaves. Water should be allowed to drain out of the container to avoid waterlogging.
Fertilization
It is not necessary to fertilize Lithops turbiniformis auct. var. subfenestrata de Boer frequently. Applying a balanced, slow-release fertilizer once or twice a year at a quarter of the recommended strength is sufficient to provide the necessary nutrients. Fertilizing more than required can cause root damage and hamper the plant's growth.
Pruning
Lithops turbiniformis auct. var. subfenestrata de Boer does not require pruning because it is a slow-growing plant. However, if the plant has become too large, it may be divided in the spring when it begins to grow. Multi-headed plants can be split to create new plants, and damaged or diseased leaves can be removed from healthy plants.
Propagation of Lithops turbiniformis auct. var. subfenestrata de Boer
Lithops turbiniformis auct. var. subfenestrata de Boer, commonly known as the Turbiniformis living stone, is a succulent plant that can be propagated through various methods, including division, leaf cuttings, and seeds.
Division
Division is a common and straightforward method for propagating Lithops turbiniformis auct. var. subfenestrata de Boer. It involves gently separating the offsets or small clumps at the base of the parent plant and replanting them in a well-draining soil mix. The best time to do this is during the plant's active growing season in the spring or early summer.
Leaf Cuttings
Leaf cuttings are another method for propagating this plant. To take a leaf cutting, gently twist and pull a mature leaf from the parent plant and allow it to dry for a few days until a callus forms. Then, plant the leaf cutting in a well-draining soil mix, being careful not to bury it too deeply. Keep the soil moist and place the cutting in a bright location with indirect sunlight until it begins to root and produce a new plant.
Seeds
Seeds are a third option for propagating Lithops turbiniformis auct. var. subfenestrata de Boer. To start from seed, sow the seeds in a well-draining soil mix in the early spring months. Keep the soil moist and place the container in a bright location with indirect sunlight until the seeds germinate and young plants appear. Be patient, as it can take several years for the plants to reach maturity and produce their characteristic daisy-like flowers.
Disease and pest management for Lithops turbiniformis auct. var. subfenestrata de Boer
Lithops turbiniformis auct. var. subfenestrata de Boer, commonly known as the "Turbiniformis" or "Turby" lithops, is a small, succulent plant native to Southern Africa. Although it is a hardy plant, it can still fall prey to some common diseases and pests in certain conditions.
Common diseases of Lithops turbiniformis
There are several diseases that the Turby lithops might be vulnerable to:
- Root rot: Overwatering, poor drainage, or keeping the soil too moist can cause the roots to rot, leading to leaf drop and eventual death.
- Leaf spot: This fungal disease manifests in brown, water-soaked spots on the leaves, which can spread rapidly if left untreated.
- Stem rot: This fungal disease causes the plant's stems to turn soft and mushy, which can eventually lead to the plant's death.
Managing diseases in Lithops turbiniformis
Prevention is the key to mitigating the risk of disease in Turby lithops. Below are some measures that can help prevent and manage diseases:
- Water the plant sparingly, allowing the soil to dry out completely before the next watering.
- Avoid overhead watering that can splash soil onto the leaves, which can cause fungal infections.
- If you spot a diseased plant, remove it immediately to prevent the spreading of the disease to other plants.
- Use a fungicide specifically formulated for succulent plants to control any fungal infection.
Common pests in Lithops turbiniformis
Like most succulent plants, Lithops turbiniformis is relatively pest-resistant. However, several common pests might occasionally target the Turby lithops:
- Mealybugs: These small, cotton-like pests can cause stunted growth, wilting, and death if left untreated.
- Spider mites: These tiny pests can cause the leaves to turn brown or yellow and fall off the plant.
Managing pests in Lithops turbiniformis
Below are a few tips for controlling pests in the Turby lithops:
- Remove any infested or dead parts of the plant immediately.
- Use a solution of water and dish soap to remove mealybugs from the plant. Alternatively, dabbing the insects with rubbing alcohol may also work.
- Avoid over-fertilizing the plant, as this can attract spider mites.
- Use neem oil or insecticidal soap to control spider mites.
By following these disease and pest management tips, you can keep your Lithops turbiniformis healthy and thriving for years to come.
