Free Lithops Bella Plants

The common name of Living Stones is very descriptive of these most unusual succulents, which look just like small pebbles or stones. Lithops varieties are most effective when mixed together against a background ofsmall stones, chippings or pebbles. To cultivate these plants successfully, it is essential to be very frugal with watering, even during the growing season. In winter the plant must not be watered at all. Watering should commence in spring when the new leaves are produced. Take care not to splash water on to the foliage, as this can cause marking or scorching.

Plant type : Flowering succulent with very lowgrowing habit
Season of interest : Late summer, early autumn
Size : 1 -4cm (.5-l.5in)
Flower : Daisy-like, rayed, white, 2.5cm (1 in), produced late summer/early autumn
Leaf : Greyish green, fleshy, in pairs
Temperature : 10-28째C (50 - 82째F)
Aspect/Light : Full sun
Humidity : Low
Watering : Evenly moisten compost from spring to early autumn, allowing to dry out a little before re-watering; do not water again until the following spring
Feeding : Not usually necessary
Propagation : Gently tease apart plants and pot separately, or in small clumps, using cactus and succulent compost at 20-22째C (68-72째F) in late spring or early summer; sow seeds as above in mid to late spring
Potting : Cactus and succulent compost
Problems : Can easily be over-watered
Availability : Not commonly available
Uses indoors : Windowsill display in small collections in small bowl or planter
Other varieties : L. helmutii-bright yellow flowers; greygreen leaves, L. marmorata - white flowers; grey green leaves