::zoë::

musings and mentionings of me

    

2005-06-09


Living Stone

The living stone looks like a pebble in the dirt

I recently bought myself a "Living Stone" or lithop. It's a plant from the desert in South Africa.

As far as I can tell, it is currently growing two new leaves (in the center) and I am not watering it right now, as these new leaves get all their water from the old leaves (framing the top and bottom). Based on what I've read online, this will be all the water this plant needs till this division is done. If I watered it the roots would rot away!! This plant should go through this cycle once a year. If everything goes as planned, there should also be one flower a year too! To give you an idea of the size of this plant - that's a 2inch pot! Basically, it's the same size as my thumb :)

Another one of my plants - a croton - is sporting some fetching new leaves. You've probably seen a croton before, usually with large waxy leaves that have alot of red or orange in them (actually some varieties are only green, some with white spots, and some with long skinny leaves, some with "oak" shaped leaves). I'm rather excited in particular about the leaf on the top left that has a rather interesting shape!

Until next time!

New leaves on a small croton.



Comment posted by gavo at 2005-06-09 10:45:36 

I like your living stone! It sounds like a very
easy-to-keep-alive plant, something I have had
a lot of trouble finding the likes of!

Also, your croton is beautiful. I hope it likes
its new pot.

gav
Comment posted by billyd at 2005-06-19 19:52:31 

Hi, Zoe!

Interesting blog! I will be checking it often. I like the plants better than the bats!

And I always thought crotons were dried up toast you threw on salads! ;-)
Comment posted by gofer at 2005-06-24 22:56:39 

keep us updated on your living stone and the beautiful croton!
Comment posted by kstien1959 at 2005-06-25 11:52:20 

I like plants but I don't have a green thumb. The last time I had even a semi exotic plant it died within six months and I gave it a lot of attention. Sigh.....
Comment posted by integrity at 2005-06-25 18:18:04 

Zoe beware! Watch out for your Dad and his home made pesticides. Be nice to him or funny things may start shooting
out of that beautiful Croton.
Any suggestions of a nice and unusual plant for my garden? Mix sun and shade. ALso would like to start a water garden.
Any hints?
Randy
Comment posted by integrity at 2005-06-25 18:20:12 

On a second look at the croton maybe your Dad has already been busy! HEHE
Comment posted by diamondsharp at 2005-06-26 22:02:14 

Zoe! Where art thou??? I visit often, but haven't seen anything new - where are you? Looking foward to reading your next post! ;o)) John A. Gosselin

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