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Hello and welcome to Brainy Gardener! I'm a huge fan of Living Stones. In this video, I'm going to show you the best way to take care of them so that they stay healthy and happy for years to come. So sit back, relax, and enjoy the video.
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Living Stone (Lithops) Best Way to Take Care Of
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Video Timestamps
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0:00 - Introduction
1:00 - Light and Location
1:10 - Watering
1:54 - Temperature
2:09 - Humidity
2:16 - Fertilization
2:29 - Propagation
3:19 - Potting and Repotting
4:01 - Toxicity and Common Pests
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Summary
Lithops commonly known as Living Stone owing to its natural coloration is a genus of succulent plants in the family Aizoaceae. Members of the genus are native to southern Africa. The name Lithops is derived from the Ancient Greek words lithos meaning “stone,” and ops meaning “face.” The plants are stemless and have leaves that are almost indistinguishable from stones.
1. Light and Location
Living Stones do best in full sun to partial shade. They can be grown indoors, but they need a fair amount of light. If you have a bright windowsill, they will be happy there.
2. Watering
The watering needs of this succulent change with the season. In late spring and early summer, water thoroughly and ensure it drains quickly. They only need to be watered when the soil feels dry to the touch. When the plant goes dormant in mid-summer, suspend watering until autumn. Afterward, resume watering normally until winter.
3. Temperature
These succulents do not like the cold. They prefer a moderate to high temperature with little fluctuation. Ideal indoor temperatures are between 60 to 85 degrees Fahrenheit though you can go higher without much issue. If you live in an area that experiences harsh winters, grow these plants indoors and under protection.
4. Humidity
Living Stones don’t have any specific humidity needs. They do well in average household humidity and can tolerate drier conditions.
5. Fertilization
These plants are light feeders and don’t need much fertilizer. You can fertilize them once a month during the growing season with a succulent fertilizer at half the recommended strength. Alternatively, you can use a slow-release fertilizer.
6. Propagation
Living Stones can be propagated by seeds or by cuttings. Sow the seeds in a coarse or sandy medium. Cover them with a very thin layer of the medium. Water lightly on top of the seeds and allow it to drain out quickly. Keep the pot in a warm and sunny spot and wait for germination. Be patient, and your seeds should sprout if the conditions are right. Before taking a cutting, check that the plant is multi-headed. If it is, remove the entire plant from its potting medium and observe the roots.
7. Potting and Repotting
When potting your Living Stone Plant, pick a deep pot. These plants have extensive root systems, which isn’t immediately obvious from their diminutive size. Be sure to use light, coarse, and sandy soil. They do not like their roots to be constrained and will quickly rot if potted in heavy soil. Also, the soil needs to be fast-draining; the water shouldn’t be allowed to sit for any length of time. Repotting is rarely needed for these plants. They can easily go 10 to 20 years without requiring a new pot.
8. Toxicity and Common Pests
Lithops are considered non-toxic to humans and animals. These succulents are not often bothered by pests or diseases. Scale insects can be the occasional visitors, but they’re rare. So chances are you won’t have any problems with this one.
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