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Cactus SucculentHouseplants

Lithops schwantesii

Schwantes living stone

A succulent perennial forming a clump of paired greyish or buff leaves, with dark green mottling on the tips, and yellow flowers 3cm across in late summer and autumn

Size
Ultimate height
Up to 10cm
Time to ultimate height
2–5 years
Ultimate spread
0–0.1 metre
Growing conditions
Loam
Sand
Moisture
Well–drained
pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Brown Grey Silver
Summer Yellow Brown Grey Silver
Autumn Yellow Brown Grey Silver
Winter Brown Grey Silver
Position
  • Full sun
Aspect

East–facing or South–facing or North–facing

Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness
H2
Botanical details
Family
Aizoaceae
Native to GB / Ireland
No
Foliage
Evergreen
Habit
Clump forming
Genus

Lithops are nearly stemless, succulent perennials forming bodies composed of a pair of very fleshy leaves, the flattish tips bearing translucent dots or patches; daisy-like flowers emerge from the fissure between the leaves

Name status

Correct

Plant range
S.W.Africa- Namibia

How to grow

Cultivation

Grow under glass in a standard cactus compost with added leaf mould, in bright, filtered light, with good ventilation. When in growth water moderately and feed every two or three weeks with a balanced liquid feed. Keep almost dry in the winter

Propagation

Propagate by seed sown at 19 - 21°C in early spring or by offsets

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • Patio and container plants
Pruning

No pruning required

Pests

May be susceptible to aphids and mealybugs

Diseases

Generally disease-free

Get involved

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