What kind of growing environment does Lithops optica 'Rubra' prefer?
Lithops optica 'Rubra' is a succulent in the genus Lithops of the family Aizoaceae, and is a small variety among lithops. Its body is oval, often growing in clusters of around 20 heads, with pale gray-green spherical leaves and obvious brown-green branch-like markings on top.
Habits of Lithops optica 'Rubra'
Lithops optica 'Rubra' is a succulent in the genus Lithops of the family Aizoaceae, and autumn and winter are its growing season.
Lithops optica 'Rubra' is native to South Africa and likes a warm, dry, sunny environment, with the most suitable growing temperature being 15-25°C.
Lithops optica 'Rubra' is drought-tolerant and afraid of waterlogging; during the growing season, watering once every 3 weeks is enough, keeping the potting soil slightly moist. It is not cold-tolerant; in winter, move it indoors to a sunny spot for care.
Common propagation methods for Lithops optica 'Rubra': cuttings and sowing.
Planting and care tips for Lithops optica 'Rubra'
Care tips for Lithops optica 'Rubra'
Repotting: repot once every 2 years; when repotting, use a mix of leaf mold, growing soil and coarse sand, adding a small amount of cow dung or bone meal. Note that Lithops optica 'Rubra' has few and shallow roots; after repotting, place a layer of pebbles on the surface of the potting soil, which is both attractive and provides support.
Watering: keep the potting soil moist during the growing season; in summer when temperatures are high, provide appropriate shade and reduce watering. After it turns cooler in autumn, keep the potting soil slightly moist; in winter, keep the potting soil slightly dry.
Fertilizing: fertilize once every half month during the growing season, using decomposed liquid fertilizer or special organic fertilizer for succulents; stop fertilizing after flowering in autumn.
Note: in spring, Lithops optica 'Rubra' will show skin-shedding, with a layer of white dead leaves on the surface; at this time, water should be controlled appropriately to let it recover slowly.
Propagation methods for Lithops optica 'Rubra'
Sowing: usually sow in pots in spring and early summer, controlling the temperature at 19-24°C; after sowing, they germinate in 7-10 days. Lithops optica 'Rubra' grows slowly and is difficult to care for. Watering must be done carefully, and attention should be paid to keeping warm in winter and cool in summer. After sowing and surviving, it takes 2-3 years to flower.
Suggested planting combinations: Cotyledon tomentosa and Sedum rubrotinctum.
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