This is the second part of the article describing the various ornamental plant groups.

Orchids
All orchids belong to the Orchidaceae family comprising around 25,000 species and more than 70,000 hybrids. Most orchid species come from tropical rainforests and often have fleshy, aerial roots. The most popular come from Asia, though there are many wild orchids in South America. The flowers often have fantastic colour combinations.

Bromeliads
Bromeliads are mainly rainforest plants, originating from the southern states of the USA down through to South America. Their structure is usually a rosette shape, with long, stiff (often variegated) leaves and striking blooms. They can be grown outdoors in warmer climes but are more often grown as an indoor plant.

Cacti and Succulents
Cacti and succulents come a fascinating variety of shapes and this is a result of them living in adverse conditions, often prolonged periods of drought. They range from small pincushion shapes to the familiar tall branching desert cacti. They will thrive in desert gardens but are mostly grown indoors in greenhouses or as houseplants.

Palms and Cycads
Palms are evergreen trees or shrubs often with big spiky leaves and bold foliage. They range in size from dwarf shrubs to tall, unbranched trees and mainly originate from tropical and sub-tropical regions. Cycads resemble palms or tree ferns in appearance but they are not related and are primitive seed plants.

Ferns
Ferns are primitive plants that produce evergreen or deciduous fronds. They like damp, shady places and can provide elegant symmetry and texture in a garden. Tropical ferns can be grown in a greenhouse or conservatory and make great specimens. Ferns do not flower and reproduce by spores rather than seeds.

Aquatic Plants
Aquatic plants are those that grow submerged, rooted or floating in water. Many aquatic plants are both functional and ornamental. They can suppress the growth of algae and provide a habitat for microorganisms while providing attractive foliage and flowers. A wide variety of plants can be used around small ponds, natural water features or boggy habitats.

Grasses and Bamboos
Grasses and bamboos are members of a vast family of plants that grow throughout the world. A few of the grasses are commonly grown as lawns, whilst others are grown in clumps for their height and wonderful flowering spikes. Bamboos are woody-caned, perennial grasses most of which originate in tropical and sub-tropical climates. There are a few hardy varieties from more temperate regions.

Lithops are remarkable little plants that are native to Namaqualand, a small area of South Africa. They grow in very dry desert areas, with their stems buried in the stony earth and only the tips of the stems visible. Lithops are commonly known as living stones, and they are capable of fooling humans and animals alike that they are real stones!

Lithops make an ideal plant for a collector. Because they are small and have a slow, compact growth habit, a large collection can be grown in a relatively small space. The main fascination provided by Lithops is the variety of colours and patterns of the plant bodies, although they will produce flowers under favourable conditions. There are around 200 varieties and cultivars known.


Growing Requirements

Temperature
As Lithops originate in a very dry, hot desert area, the temperature needs to be 25 - 35c during the summer and 10c or above over the winter. They can be kept cooler so long as they have plenty of light and the compost is dry but they will not tolerate frost.

Compost
Lithops are best grown in a terracotta type pot or bowl. General-purpose compost with some grit added to help drainage is suitable or any proprietary cactus compost. An occasional feed, as you would for a houseplant, is allowed but mustn’t be overdone, as Lithops require very little in the way of nutrients.

Watering
During the winter months, the plants only need water to prevent the roots from drying out completely - once a month should be fine. Watering should be increased gradually from March until late May when the plant should be in full growth. You can safely at least once a week during the summer so long as the pot is not allowed to sit in a tray of water. From late September, you should reduce watering to make the plant to go into a semi-dormant state and by November you should be back in to the winter watering regime.

Genus: Lithops
Family: Aizoaceae