General Information

Pseudolithos is a genus of succulent plants known for their unusual appearance, resembling stones or pebbles. These plants originate from the arid regions of East Africa and the Arabian Peninsula and require special care for successful growth and flowering.

Growing Conditions

Lighting

• Pseudolithos prefer bright, diffused light. Direct sunlight throughout the day can burn the plant, so it’s recommended to provide a light period of 10-12 hours using plant lamps during the winter months.
• It’s best to place the plants on an east or west window. On a south window, protection from the midday sun is necessary.

Temperature

• The optimal temperature for growing Pseudolithos is 25-30°C during the summer.
• In winter, the temperature should be lowered to 15-20°C but not below 10°C.
• It’s important to avoid sharp temperature fluctuations and drafts.

Watering

• Water the plants moderately, only when the substrate is completely dry. During the summer, this might be once every 1-2 weeks, depending on the conditions.
• In winter, watering is reduced to a minimum or completely stopped if the temperature is lowered to the recommended values.
• The water for irrigation should be soft and at room temperature.

Humidity

• Pseudolithos do not require high humidity and tolerate dry air well.
• Spraying the plants is not recommended as it can lead to rotting.

Substrate

• A well-drained substrate is suitable for growing Pseudolithos. Ideally, use a mixture of 50% mineral components (pumice, perlite, gravel) and 50% organic components (leaf mold, coconut substrate).
• It’s important to ensure good drainage at the bottom of the pot using expanded clay or coarse gravel.

Repotting

• Repot the plants as necessary, usually once every 2-3 years, in the spring.
• When repotting, it’s important to handle the roots carefully and not damage them.

Feeding

• Feed Pseudolithos very carefully. Use fertilizers for cacti and succulents with a low nitrogen content.
• Fertilizing is done during the active growth period (spring and summer) once a month, diluting the fertilizer in water for irrigation at half the recommended dose.

Problems and Solutions

Rotting

• Cause: Excessive watering or poor drainage.
• Solution: Reduce watering, repot the plant into a more suitable substrate with good drainage.

Sunburn

• Cause: Direct sunlight.
• Solution: Move the plant to a place with diffused light or create artificial shade.

Slow Growth

• Cause: Lack of light or nutrients.
• Solution: Provide sufficient lighting and carry out fertilization.

Propagation

By Seeds

• Sow seeds in a light, well-drained substrate.
• Maintain substrate moisture until germination, then gradually reduce watering.

By Cuttings

• Propagation by cuttings is difficult and rarely used. Cuttings should be treated with fungicide and dried before planting in the substrate.
• Grafting onto other species of Asclepiadaceae is possible to accelerate growth and flowering and to protect from death during temperature fluctuations, as a more resilient rootstock will help the graft survive.

By following these recommendations, you can successfully grow and care for Pseudolithos plants, enjoying their unusual appearance and unique aesthetics.