What’s News?

It’s now officially winter and there isn’t much happening on the Lithops shelf.  However, I did notice that Lady Otzeniana is starting to look like she’s ready to reveal herself and my first seedling to shed it’s baby leaves, is preparing to go through it’s second shed.

To be honest, I’m most excited about the second shed.  I’m interested to see how much the plant changes between shed one and shed two.  I think it should get more colour and it’s pattern should be more defined each time it’s leaves are renewed.  With each shed, we should be getting closer and closer to being able to definitively identify it!  And of course, being my first, homegrown Lithops, it holds a special place on the Lithops shelf.  It’s exciting to watch it grow up 🙂

The leaf renewal for Lady Otzeniana is also exciting.  I guess I’m a little guarded that this phase will also take forever and as mentioned previously, I’m not really that patient, so I’m trying to not get my hopes up.  The fissure has just started to open so I think we have a few weeks to wait yet.  Of course, I’ll keep you all posted!

 

Mini Oncidium Rescue Update

Remember my mini oncidium orchids I rescued last winter?  I know, I know, they aren’t Lithops so I’ll be quick 😉

I was thrilled and surprised to find that the second plant has pink blooms!  Usually we only see the white variety so this was a real treat.  I just had to share.  Forgive me – LOL!

The pink variety is on the left…it is subtle.

 

Excited!!!

I was very excited this morning to notice that my largest Terricolor C346 is starting to absorb the moisture from it’s old leaves to nourish it’s new body that is growing inside.  The old leaves have already split and I can see the newly formed plant inside.  This is a first for my little collection and gives me hope that I’m providing appropriate care.  This plant has been without water since October ❤

 

 

Find the Lithops!

Not much happening on the Lithops shelf.  The cold of winter has finally settled upon us and my adult plants are in their happy slumber.  I look forward to seeing their new bodies emerge over the next few months!

As for the seedlings….with this new batch, I’m reminded just how slowly baby Lithops grow.  Ugh, I’m not a patient woman!  And I am finding these babies more of a challenge to care for than the last batch.  The stones dry out so much more quickly then the sand; I find myself misting them three to four times a day as opposed to twice a day with my previous batch.  I think the coolness of the room isn’t really helping them either.  I keep the plant room cool in the winter to accommodate the adult Lithops and to encourage my orchids to bloom; I think the baby Lithops would thrive in a warmer environment.  Maybe someone bought me some new plant lights for Christmas  =/

Anyway, while I was misting last night, I was struck by the amazing camouflage of the Aucampiae seedlings.  I really had to look hard to see them; they certainly do look like little stones at this age.  Let’s see how many you can find!  I promise, they are in there 🙂

 

Today’s Eye Candy

A bowl full of Lithops Karasmontana ‘Lateritia’ 🙂