Living Stone Plant
Here are some experiences with Lithops, a succulent plant, including the sowing propagation of Living Stone Plant (Lithops). Let's share the detailed content next.
Lithops, a member of the Aizoaceae family, is a highly succulent perennial herb with two opposite, connected, succulent leaves above the ground. The leaf surface has translucent structures with varying colors and unique shapes. The plant is small and increasingly favored by succulent enthusiasts as an unusual plant.
Lithops is usually propagated by sowing, and understanding its growth habits is essential for successful propagation. Lithops is native to the arid regions of South Africa and the southwestern part of Africa, where there is abundant sunshine, winter temperatures above 10°C, and summer temperatures around 30°C. However, the surface of the ground is mostly covered with stones and gravel, which can reach temperatures above 50°C. It is a plant that enters summer dormancy.
When we receive Lithops seeds, we should sow them immediately unless the climate is too harsh, as delayed sowing can reduce germination rates. Proper preparations should be made before sowing.
(1) Sowing Time.
Spring sowing is most favorable after mid-April, and autumn sowing is best in early October. Pay attention to temperature control during winter sowing, with an optimal range of 10-25°C.
(2) Sowing Pot.
It is best to use a clay pot for sowing, as it allows good ventilation and drainage, and the soil dries easily, which is beneficial for seed germination. Other types of pots like ceramic or purple sand pots can also be used, provided they are shallow. The soil should be about 10CM thick and leave a 2-3CM edge around the pot. In winter, airtight plastic pots can be used to maintain humidity.
(3) Soil.
The sowing soil should be loose, breathable, and have good water retention. The soil mixture I use is: nutrient soil 4 parts: coal ash 4 parts: sand 2 parts: wood ash 1 part: perlite 1 part (less). Generally, pure sand and soilless cultivation media should not be used, as the seedlings are very small after germination and require nutrients for growth, and early transplantation is inconvenient. The soil should be sterilized in advance, then placed in the pot and soaked with water using the soaking method. After the soil is completely soaked, let it sit in a well-ventilated area for 2-3 days before sowing.
(4) Sowing.
Before sowing, sprinkle a layer of sand on the soil surface and wet it with water. Lithops seeds are very small and should be carefully and evenly scattered on the sand. They can also be mixed with dry fine sand and scattered in the pot. Do not cover the soil, and the seeds should be sown densely, not just a few in a large pot. After sowing, cover the pot with a glass plate immediately, opening one corner for ventilation during the day and sealing it in the afternoon to maintain humidity. Sowing is generally done on sunny mornings, and it's best not to sow during rainy or cloudy weather, as germination may be delayed. After sowing, place the pot in a warm, humid place with sunlight, and shade it if the temperature exceeds 30°C. Some people think that sunlight is not necessary during the sowing period, but I believe it is better to have sunlight. Although seeds do not need sunlight to germinate, sunlight has the following benefits:
It can naturally increase the temperature, more evenly than artificial heating, saving energy, and simulating natural germination conditions, promoting germination;
Sunlight can inhibit the growth of harmful bacteria in the air inside the pot;
It is beneficial for the natural evaporation of moisture, thus increasing the air content in the soil. Practice has shown that constantly wet soil is not conducive to seed germination;
Seedlings adapt faster to the environment after germination and will not be unaccustomed to sudden strong light, increasing their resistance and benefiting their later growth.
Seeds can generally germinate after 10 days and require special attention to management for good growth.
(5) Seedling Management.
After the seeds germinate, gradually remove the glass plate to adapt to the surrounding environment. Do not water immediately, but wait until the soil surface is dry before soaking it with the soaking method. Repeat watering when the soil dries again. Check if the roots of the seedlings are exposed on the soil surface and gently cover them with soil if they are. Seedlings prefer a warm, humid environment with plenty of but not intense sunlight. In summer, they should be shaded appropriately, and in high temperatures, the pot-in-pot method can be used for watering, or a small amount of water can be placed in a tray under the pot to keep the bottom moist. In winter, try to expose them to more sunlight, and the potting soil should not be too dry. In other seasons, management can be more relaxed. Fertilizing can be done 1-2 months after the seeds germinate, using a very dilute solution and the soaking method. Do not fertilize hastily if you are unsure, as the nutrients in the soil are sufficient for the plant to grow for a while.
Under your careful care, Lithops can grow to the size of soybeans in less than a year. At this point, the plants may become crowded and can be planted in separate pots, with management similar to that of adult plants.
The above introduction to the sowing propagation of Lithops (Lithops) is for reference by netizens.