Do Lithops flowers produce seeds after blooming?
As the "living gemstones" of the succulent world, Lithops attract countless plant enthusiasts with their unique shapes. When witnessing these adorable plants in bloom, people often wonder: do these magical "stone flowers" produce seeds after flowering? The answer is not simply yes or no, but requires mastering professional cultivation techniques.
Core Conditions for Seed Cultivation of Lithops
Necessity of Cross-Pollination
Lithops have a special self-incompatibility feature, where a single plant's flower cannot self-pollinate. In practice, at least two adult plants (over 3 years old) with synchronized blooming periods are needed. The best pollination timing is on the 2nd to 3rd day after the flowers fully open, when the stigma of the pistil secretes sticky fluid, and a fine brush can be used for pollen transfer.
Techniques for Pollen Preservation
If the blooming periods of the plants are not synchronized, pollen can be collected in advance: use forceps to pick the stamens and place them in a sealed bag, label them with the collection date, and store them at 4°C in the refrigerator (valid for about 2 weeks). When the second plant flowers, take the refrigerated pollen to room temperature and evenly apply it to the stigma of the pistil.
Full Process of Lithops Seed Collection
Criteria for Determining Mature Pod
About 7-10 days after successful pollination, the petals will gradually wither and turn brown. At this time, the spent flowers should be removed to promote pod development. Mature pods are gray-brown and show longitudinal cracks on the surface, usually requiring a development period of 3-5 months.
Detailed Explanation of Four-Step Seed Collection Method
1. Timed Harvesting: Choose a clear spring morning to operate, using a pointed forceps to gently twist and remove the fruit stem. 2. Water Soaking Separation: Place the pod in room temperature water and soak for 24 hours, allowing it to absorb water and expand. 3. Fine Screening: Use a 200-mesh sieve to wash repeatedly, separating the seeds from the pod skin and impurities. 4. Scientific Storage: After drying in the shade, place in a sealed aluminum foil bag, add a desiccant, and store in a 3-5°C environment.
Precautions for Lithops Seed Cultivation
High-quality seeds should be reddish-brown and about 0.5mm in diameter, with each pod containing 30-80 seeds. It is recommended to perform a viability test before sowing: take a small amount of seeds and soak them in warm water, those that sink are viable seeds. Properly stored seeds can maintain a germination rate of 3-5 years, but it is recommended to sow in the spring of the following year for the best germination results.
Through scientific pollination management and standardized seed collection operations, even planting beginners can successfully harvest Lithops seeds. These tiny particles containing life codes will lead us to witness the new growth miracle of the "living gemstones."