Origin
Lithops villetii L.Bolus var. deboeri (Schwantes) D.T.Cole, commonly known as De Boer's living stone, hails from the deserts of southern Africa. The species is found in the southern parts of Namibia and Northern Cape of South Africa.
Common Names
Aside from the scientific name and the common name, De Boer's living stone, Lithops villetii L.Bolus var. Deboeri has other monikers, including "Pebble Plants", "Living Stones", and "Butt Plants."
Uses
The plant is commonly grown as a houseplant in many parts of the world due to its aesthetic and ornamental value that elevates the outlook of homes. De Boer's Living Stone's unique appearance makes it an instant favorite among collectors of unusual and exotic plants. As a succulent plant, it stores water in its leaves, making it drought-tolerant and an excellent choice for desert gardens.
General Appearance
The De Boer's Living Stone is one of the most unique-looking plants in the world. It takes on the appearance of a rock or pebble, with the leaves resembling stones that form a split dome-like structure. The succulent plant's leaves are fused together and protrude from the soil surface, with the tops forming a window-like structure to allow sunlight in. The plant has a variety of colors ranging from brown to gray-greenish and brick red that helps it camouflage in its natural habitat. De Boer’s living stone produces a beautiful yellow flower that blossoms for a short period of time.
Light Requirements
Lithops villetii L.Bolus var. deboeri (Schwantes) D.T.Cole requires bright, indirect light of at least six hours per day. Direct sunlight can burn the plant, so it is best to place it in a shaded area or use a sheer curtain to filter the light. Artificial light can be used to supplement natural light, but it should mimic the intensity and quality of sunlight.
Temperature Requirements
Lithops villetii L.Bolus var. deboeri (Schwantes) D.T.Cole thrives in warm temperatures between 65 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit during the day and a night temperature of 55 to 65 degrees Fahrenheit. Avoid exposing the plant to extreme temperatures, such as frost or high heat, as it can damage the plant.
Soil Requirements
Lithops villetii L.Bolus var. deboeri (Schwantes) D.T.Cole prefers well-draining soil that is slightly alkaline with a pH of 7 to 8. A cactus or succulent potting mix that contains coarse sand, perlite, or pumice can be a good choice. Make sure the soil is not waterlogged, as it can cause root rot.
Cultivation Methods for Lithops villetii L.Bolus var. deboeri (Schwantes) D.T.Cole
Lithops villetii L.Bolus var. deboeri (Schwantes) D.T.Cole is a desert succulent plant that requires well-draining soil and a warm, sunny location. Plant the Lithops in a pot with a gritty, porous soil mixture, such as a cactus or succulent soil mix. The pot should have drainage holes to prevent waterlogging.
The plant prefers bright, direct sunlight, but it also tolerates some shade. If kept indoors, place the Lithops near a south-facing window or under grow lights. During the summer months, you can move the plant outdoors to a sunny location to boost its growth.
Watering Needs for Lithops villetii L.Bolus var. deboeri (Schwantes) D.T.Cole
Lithops villetii L.Bolus var. deboeri (Schwantes) D.T.Cole is a drought-tolerant plant that can survive extended periods without water. When watering the plant, do so sparingly - Since the plant stores water in its leaves, overwatering can cause root rot and kill the plant.
During the growing season, water the Lithops every two to three weeks, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings. During the dormant season, you can reduce watering to once a month or less. Use a watering can or spray bottle to avoid overwatering the Lithops.
Fertilization for Lithops villetii L.Bolus var. deboeri (Schwantes) D.T.Cole
Lithops villetii L.Bolus var. deboeri (Schwantes) D.T.Cole is a slow-growing plant that doesn't require frequent fertilization or extra nutrients. With proper soil conditions, the plant can obtain all the nutrients needed for its growth.
That being said, you can fertilize your Lithops once a month during the growing season, using a balanced fertilizer or a half-strength succulent or cactus fertilizer. Apply the fertilizer according to the manufacturer's instructions. Make sure not to apply too much fertilizer, as it can cause root damage to the plant.
Pruning for Lithops villetii L.Bolus var. deboeri (Schwantes) D.T.Cole
Pruning is not necessary for Lithops villetii L.Bolus var. deboeri (Schwantes) D.T.Cole. The plant has a low growth habit, and its leaves grow close to the ground, forming a clump that doesn't require shaping or trimming.
Any dead or diseased leaves that the plant sheds naturally can be removed by gently pulling them off the plant. Avoid cutting or trimming the Lithops, as it can cause the plant to go into shock and stunt its growth.
Propagation of Lithops villetii L.Bolus var. deboeri (Schwantes) D.T.Cole
Lithops villetii L.Bolus var. deboeri (Schwantes) D.T.Cole, also known as the Living Stones, can be propagated by seeds and offsets. The plant is slow-growing, but with proper care, it can be propagated successfully.
Propagation by Seeds
Propagation of Lithops villetii L.Bolus var. deboeri is most commonly done by seeds. To propagate by seeds, plant the seeds in sandy, well-draining soil mix, and barely cover them with the soil. The soil must be kept moist but not waterlogged. It's essential to note that the seeds have low germination rates, and they may take several weeks or even months to germinate. A warm temperature of about 20-25°C is ideal for seed germination.
Propagation by Offsets
Lithops villetii L.Bolus var. deboeri can also be propagated by offsets, which are tiny plantlets that grow from the base of the parent plant. When the offsets are big enough to handle, gently remove them from the parent plant and plant them in a well-draining soil mix. It's best to wait until the offsets have grown a set of leaves before detaching them. However, the offsets can only be detached if they have an independent root system. It's advisable to plant the offsets in separate containers to prevent overcrowding and ensure proper growth.
Propagation of Lithops villetii L.Bolus var. deboeri can be a slow process, but with proper care, the plantlets can grow healthy and mature into beautiful plants.
Disease Management
Lithops villetii L.Bolus var. deboeri is generally healthy and disease-resistant. However, certain issues may arise, mainly due to overwatering or poor drainage. One common problem is root rot. This can be identified by soft, mushy roots and a foul odor from the soil. To manage root rot, the plant should be removed from the soil, and the infected roots must be trimmed off. After this, the plant should be replanted in a fresh, well-draining soil mix and placed in a well-ventilated area to dry out.
Another disease that can affect Lithops villetii L.Bolus var. deboeri is leaf spot. This is typically caused by fungal or bacterial infections and can be identified by the brown or blackish spots on the leaves. Leaf spot can be managed by removing the infected leaves and applying a fungicide or a bactericide. It is important not to overwater the plant and to avoid getting water on the leaves, as this can promote fungal growth.
Pest Management
Similar to disease management, pests are not a significant problem for Lithops villetii L.Bolus var. deboeri. However, there are a few pests that can occasionally affect the plant. The most common of these is mealybugs, which are small, white insects that feed on the sap of the plant. To manage mealybugs, the plant should be isolated, and the affected areas should be wiped with a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol. Alternatively, neem oil or insecticidal soap can be used to eliminate mealybugs.
Another pest that can affect Lithops villetii L.Bolus var. deboeri is spider mites. Spider mites are tiny, spider-like insects that suck the sap from the plant, causing it to turn yellow and dry out. To manage spider mites, the plant should be isolated, and the affected areas should be sprayed with a miticide. Additionally, increasing the humidity around the plant by misting it can help deter spider mites.
