Pseudolithos

Family. Asclepiadaceae. 

Origin. South Africa.

Description. Pseudolithos is a very unusual plant, resembling a living stone, with a very variable appearance. Some succulents have round, spherical green stems covered with low, round tubercles, while other species have angular shoots that are silvery, brown, or even pink. Some specimens develop only one stem, while others develop lateral branches at the base. During flowering, short peduncles form at the base, side, or top of the stem, bearing branched inflorescences with small greenish, burgundy, brown, or pink buds. The flowers are attractive, but many species have an unpleasant smell of rotting flesh, which attracts pollinating flies. The petals are often covered with dense pubescence.

Height. It grows quite quickly and reaches 15 cm in height.

Cultivation

Temperature conditions

Pseudolithos can tolerate temperatures of about 4.5 degrees Celsius during the dormant period if the soil is practically dry, and heat of about 38 degrees Celsius if not exposed to direct sunlight. The optimal temperature during the rest period should be at least 10 ° C.

Lighting

Place the succulent in a bright spot with light shade on hot summer days. Too much light can cause the stems to take on a reddish or purple tint. Too little light can result in weak, thin shoots and no blooms.

Care

An unpretentious species that only requires good drainage and careful control of watering frequency. It grows well on its own roots.

Substrate

A substrate with a high content of coarse sand, perlite or pumice is suitable for growing. It is advisable to place the succulent in a shallow clay pot, as this promotes rapid drying of the soil. A mixture of 50 percent pumice or perlite, 25 percent peat or organic mulch and 25 percent sand is suitable. It tolerates nutrient-poor soils.

Feeding

In the spring, gradually increase the amount of watering and start feeding the plant once a month with liquid fertilizers diluted by half. Stop feeding at the end of August to stop new growth. Use fertilizers high in phosphorus and low in nitrogen.

Purpose

Pseudolithos has a compact form, and even a decent collection of varieties takes up very little space. Many species have charming flowers, although some buds emit an unpleasant odor during flowering.

Flowering time

Summer.

Air humidity

They do not need spraying; in winter the air should be dry. Plants should be placed in a location where there is good air circulation but no cold drafts. 

Soil moisture

Succulents require very careful watering even during the growth period, on warm days. The root system easily rots when over-watered. In winter, it almost does not need watering. In spring and summer, water only when the top layer of soil dries out. Make sure that there is no stagnant water in the tray.

Transfer

Pseudolithos rarely need replanting and prefer to be in slightly cramped conditions. Repot adult specimens every two years in the spring to replace the soil with fresh soil. When repotting, do not try to increase the size of the pot - excess soil accumulates moisture. When planting, it is useful to surround the root collar with a layer of coarse sand or fine gravel for better drainage of moisture.

Reproduction

The easiest way to propagate is by sowing seeds in the ground in the spring. Some species produce side shoots that can be used as cuttings. Separate the shoots with a sharp, sterile knife and dry the cut area for several days before planting.

Pests and diseases

Root rot due to stagnation of water. The plant can turn into a jelly-like mass within 2 - 3 days.

Pests may include mealybugs.