Lithops
Seeds Mix
Common name:
Living Stones
Species:
Lithops ssp.
Scarification/ Stratification: None
Germination:
The most effective manner to sow seed
is to use a well-drained substrate. It is not necessary to cover the seed with
anything. Just keep the substrate moist to stop germinating seedlings from
drying out. Whilst the seed is germinating, use a very fine mister when
watering. The seeds germinate relatively quickly. In just under a year, they
are ready for transplanting.
Description:
Lithops are plants. This
may seem a rather obvious statement but the most often asked question when
people first encounter these little wonders of nature is “What are
they”? Commonly known as “Living Stones” they seem capable of
fooling humans as well as animals. They belong to the plant family
Mesembryanthemaceae (Aizoaceae). The word “lithos” is Greek means
“stone”. Lithops originate from South Africa and Namibia where they
have become highly adapted to conditions of extreme heat and drought. About 200
varieties and cultivars are presently known. Lithops make an ideal plant for
the collector. They are one of the most popular of all the succulents. Their
small size and slow compact growth, means that an impressive collection can be
grown in a relatively small area. They make ideal houseplants. Lithops can
under ideal conditions live for about 50 years in cultivation. The fascination
and interest provided by Lithops comes from the considerable variation in the
patterns and colors of the plant bodies. Some varieties can exhibit
considerable variance within themselves, so along with hybrids that are often
available the number of different plants for the collector is almost limitless.
Their shape, size and color cause them to resemble small stones in their
natural surroundings. The plants blend in among the stones as a means of
protection. Grazing animals which would otherwise eat them during periods of
drought to obtain moisture usually overlook them. To minimize any evaporation
the leaves have become so truncated that they have lost the appearance of a
normal leaf and have become rounded like a pebble. There is no stem as such,
but rather the taproot joins abruptly at the base of the leaves. The leaves are
thick to store enough water for the plants to survive for months without rain.
They have patterned and colored top surfaces like those of stones in the
surrounding area. The flattened top part of the leaf (apice) is window-like.
This window performs a very important function, allowing light to enter the
plant body where the sun’s rays activate cells which assist with the
photosynthesis process. Another interesting phenomenon is during extreme
droughts, Lithops plants can pull themselves into the soil to such an extent
that they become semi-subterranean. In this way they are not exposed to the
harsh outside elements that could dry them out even further. When the plant
starts to flower, the bud emerges through a groove in the middle of the
fissure. The fissure is the spilt between the two leaves. Flowers are solitary
and are borne on a short stem. The majority of Lithops produce their flowers
during autumn and early winter. They are daisy-like and yellow or white
depending on variety. They first open during the afternoons of sunnier days.
The flowering of the plants is related to the amount of light they receive
during the spring and summer months. Lithops usually must be three to five
years old before they begin flowering. The flowers of many of the Lithops
species have a spicy-sweet scent. Hardiness zones 10-11, (1°C/35°F, 4°C/40°F).
Lithops should not be exposed to temperature lower than 40°F (5°C). Lithops
should be left totally dry throughout winter and early spring. During this
period the plant will generate a new body. The new body will consume the
moisture and nutrients of the previous body as it completes its growth. This
process should be visible by early spring. Throughout the winter and spring
keep the plants cool but avoid freezing. Watering can commence once the remains
of the old plant body are shriveled and drying. The remains of the old bodies
and any flower stems can be carefully removed when they have become thoroughly
dry. This can be any time during May to July depending on variety. When
watering soaks the compost fully. The soil should be allowed to dry out between
waterings. In late spring or early summer, the plants will begin to go dormant.
In habitat, it is necessary for their survival to rest during the long period
of intense heat and little or no rainfall, using what water they have stored
previously to last the summer. In the fall, usually in August or September, the
plants will begin growing. Nearly all problems occur because of overwatering
and poor ventilation. They need a good amount of direct sunlight when grown as
houseplants. Usually, a southern window is the best location, unless it exposes
the plants to full sunlight most of the day, which should be prevented. The
soil mix should be a type that drains quickly. Pots that are about 3 – 5 inches
deep are recommended to allow the roots adequate room to grow. Any
general-purpose compost with some added grit to help drainage is suitable or
any of the propriety cactus composts is ideal. An occasional feed as for
houseplants is permissible but don’t overdo it, Lithops require little in the
way of nutrients.
Store Policies
All seeds will come in a resalable
plastic zip lock bag wrapped in a protectant so the seeds are not damaged by
shipping machines. All seed packets contain no fillers or other weeds or seeds
mixed in. Most have been harvested by hand & all test at a high germination
rate.
Seed Count
All seed counts should be considered estimates as the seeds is
packaged by hand, there is 2-3 more or less in a bag. We do our best to
ensure accuracy and will often add extra seeds. However, all estimates are
final.
Shipping
Seeds will ship without tracking numbers. Items
will be shipped 1-3 business days of receiving payment. Plants will be shipped
via USPS. Shipping usually takes anywhere from 3-5 days.
Feedback
If you do not satisfy with the purchase, please do not leave
negative/neutral feedback. Contact us for solution, We’ll try our best to
fix the problem as soon as possible.
Important! Please Read!
All seeds have been test sown to ensure germination.
Please familiarize yourself with growing conditions and instructions for your
seeds before you plant them, as all seeds are different. Basic growing
instructions can be found under each listing.
We Cannot Guarantee how much you will be able
to grow, as too many variables come into play, soil condition, your ability to
garden, weather etc. I guarantee that they arrive as described and are in good
viable condition and the germination rates are accurate.
Kayden (verified owner) –
They arrived very fresh and not bruised. They were delicious.
Edward (verified owner) –
Good quality.
Bryan (verified owner) –
The seeds had a great germination rate
Angel (verified owner) –
Very well worth the money.
Edward (verified owner) –
Great germination.