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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

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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

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