One English botanist Burchell, traveling to Africa, made a halt near a scattering of pebbles.Imagine his surprise when looking more closely, he realized that it is a plant that echo the shape of the stones surrounding them.So it was in 1811 discovered "living stones" - flowers Lithops turbiniformis.It is now known for more than 60 species and subspecies of these wonderful plants.And they are becoming increasingly popular among amateur gardeners.
How are "living stones" - flowers
Imagine the similarity of these unique dryland inhabitants of our planet with fragments of rocks, pebbles and stones is so great that at times even the naturalist did not recognize them!What people, animals that eat Lithops can not always find these "champions of mimicry."
Externally - two fused thick sheets, between which is more or less deep slit.It is there that after a while there is a white, yellow or pink flower like a daisy.It opens in the afternoon and closed the evening.Fit to exceed Flower leaves.
Water can destroy the "living stone»
flower that lives in extremely arid areas of South Africa, where the level of annual rainfall is only 200 mm, so your pets can not tolerate the ingress of water on the leaves.And they need to be watered very carefully, preferably in a pan, pouring a couple of hours the excess water, so as not to cause root rot.And only in the spring, summer and autumn (November), making sure the soil is thoroughly dry out between waterings.In winter Lithops left without water!The signal for the fact that it is time to begin gentle watering, will serve as the new leaves appeared.
« Living Stones" - the flowers that love the sun (but not scorching), fresh air and not afraid of drafts.They can be decorated with a balcony, but take care of the plants from the rain!
Choose a pot and soil
After purchasing the "stones" to be transplanted.We Lithops rod-shaped root, leaving deep into the soil.But put them in a deep pot is not necessary.These amazing plants nice feel in the low (but not too small) wide, preferably ceramic (for a better evaporation of excess moisture) pots.
spread on the bottom of the drainage of broken bricks or expanded clay.A land for planting mixed with sand and clay.The best substrate for transplantation Lithops find a mixture of clay and turf and leaf soil, coarse sand and broken bricks in the ratio 1/1/2/1.
transplant
Since « living stones" - the flowers, do not love being alone, they are best planted in groups, prisypaya space between the shingle and pebbles.
before transplanting Watering flowers can not, it is better to heal wounds on the roots caused during planting.From the ground to release the roots Lithops should be very careful, toothpick piercing the earthen room to loosen it, and he crumbled to the root.In order not to bend the root collar, it does not dig into the ground and draped stones.
soon, "Stone flower" - a lively and very unusual inhabitant of your apartment - will be a favorite for the whole family, surprising beauty and ability to mimic.
