Description
Lapidaria margaretae resembles those genera within the family Aizoaceae to which it is most closely related; namely Lithops, Dinteranthus and Schwantesia. However, while Lithops and Dinteranthus will typically only have one pair of leaves, L. margaretae has two to four pairs of leaves. Each leaf is 1.5–2 cm long and 1 cm wide. Clumps of up to three heads may be formed with age.
The plant is mostly dormant during the hot summer and cold winter, only growing during the spring and autumn, with flowering occurring in the latter, or in early winter.[2] It flowers with a single 5 cm wide yellow flower that can eclipse the plant. This flower contains 6 or 8 sepals, up to around 100 petals and 300–500 stamens. It opens during the day. The flowering might be solitary, or succeeded by up to two others
How to grow Lapidaria margaretae
Lapidaria margaretae is well-adapted to dry, arid environments and thrives in well-draining soil. It prefers bright sunlight and can tolerate high temperatures but may not withstand freezing temperatures. However, the difficulties that come in between their growing period are endless. Not to mention, these nicely shaped plants need loam-based compost along with an extra soil drainage material, like perlite or gardening grit.
Furthermore, they require good light conditions and enough ventilation to grow healthier. Yet, some mesembs are cold tolerant and can survive in the mild winters, if you keep them outside. Also, most plants are sturdy enough to survive even in freezing temperatures. However, not every mesemb is that tolerant. When it comes to karoo rose, it can withstand minimum temperatures of -3 °C.
How to care for Lapidaria margaretae
Light & Temperature
The lapidaria thrives in full sun throughout the year and will grow very well at any time of the year in warm sunny light conditions.
The plant is quite hardy and has a tolerance to frost to a temperature of 25° degrees Fahrenheit (−4° C) for short periods but their preferred temperature is around 59° degrees Fahrenheit (15° C).
The USDA hardiness zone for margaretae is from 9b to 11b.
Watering and Feeding
Although it doesn’t require too much water, it requires a small amount of rainfall, around 10″ inches annually.
Scarce and seasonal rainfall stunts the plant’s growth and you may need to apply fertilizer.
Light watering is recommended, but only after the old leaves have shriveled up completely and the new growth hasn’t started.
If you are using fertilizer, a loam-based compost is recommended.
Soil & Transplanting
The lapidaria grows in white quartz, red sand, and loose stone or even perlite.
Well-drained soil is best.
Grooming and Maintenance
Like most succulents, the lapidaria is pretty low maintenance.
You only need to prune it to keep its shape and this may be done during winter when the plant is dormant or in autumn after flowering.
It grows best when grown at a northeast-facing angle and may be planted in tandem with other succulents such as the Lithops.