Living Stones Plant Info: How to Grow and Care for Lithops
Lithops popularly known as the living stones are small low-growing plants that resemble pebbles. These beautiful succulents rarely grow more than 1 inch above the surface. They come in a range of subtle colors perfect for any space.
Native to South Africa, their stone-like texture and compact size allow them to thrive in sandy and rocky environments. This camouflaging nature makes them difficult to spot in nature. Each plant has two succulent leaves separated by a fissure (small gap).
During autumn and early winter, lithops produce daisy-like flowers that emerge in between the leaves. As spring approaches, the old leaves are reabsorbed, paving the way for the new ones. Although they grow slowly, they can live up to 50 years.
| Common name | Living stones or pebble plants |
| Botanical name | Lithops |
| Plant type | Perennial succulent |
| Mature size | 1-2 in. tall, 2-4 in. wide |
| Bloom season | Autumn to early winter |
| Flower color | Pale yellow, orange, white |
| Sun exposure | Full sun to partial shade |
| Soit type | Well-draining soil |
| Hardiness zones | 10-11 (USDA) |
| Toxicity | Non-toxic for pets and humans |
How to grow and care for lithops
Lithops are generally easy to grow and maintain. Replicating their natural habitats is the ideal way to make your plants thrive.
How to water
Lithops are able to store water in their succulent leaves making them survive dry conditions even for months. As such, they need infrequent watering. These plants have a unique yearly cycle of growth that determines their watering needs.
Water your lithops once every two weeks from late summer to early fall when the plants are actively growing and blooming. When watering, drench the soil and leave it to dry out completely. Remember, it’s always better to underwater as overwatering can cause the plant to rot and die.
Stop watering throughout the winter and spring. This helps the plant to go through dormancy focusing more on forming a new pair of leaves. If the plant appears shriveled, give just enough water to restore its shape. Just aim to make half-inch of the top soil moist.
Light requirements
Lithops are sun-loving plants. To do well, grow them where they can receive at least 4-5 hours of direct sunlight in the early part of the day and partial shade during the afternoon. A south or east-facing window with good sun exposure is usually the ideal location.
When sunlight is not sufficient, lithops will begin to grow thin and elongated as they lean towards the source of light. Sometimes, lack of enough light makes these plants lose their natural coloration and charisma.
So, if your plants are not receiving enough sunlight, consider moving them to a spot with brighter light or use artificial grow lights to supplement the natural light. However, be sure to avoid exposing the plant abruptly to intensive sunlight as it can cause sunburn.
Soil and fertilizer
Living stones prefer well-draining soil. It’s best to grow them in a cactus or succulent potting mix. Alternatively, you can add sand, perlite, or other gritty material to a regular houseplant potting soil to improve drainage. Using soils with poor drainage can cause rot and demise.
In most cases, lithops don’t need fertilization but you may feed them sparingly just before the blooming season to encourage flowering. Consider using fertilizer low in nitrogen and high in potassium. Avoid over-fertilizing as it can compromise the plant’s natural growth.
Temperature and humidity
Lithops have adapted to tolerate high temperatures of up to 100 degrees Fahrenheit. So, keeping conditions between 65 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit will make them happy. However, during the dormant winter period, these plants prefer cooler temperatures ranging from 50°F to 60°F.
Remember to bring the plants indoors when temperatures start dropping below 40 degrees Fahrenheit. In terms of humidity, lithops prefer when it’s low. Generally, they will do well in average indoor humidity.
Potting and repotting
Lithops can stay in the same pot for more than 5 years. However, you may need to repot in fresh potting media when the current soil becomes waterlogged. When potting or repotting lithops, use a pot that is about 3 to 5 inches deep and with drain holes to allow roots to grow.
How to propagate lithops
Lithops can be propagated either by seeds or division of a multi-headed plant.
Seeds
Simply get the seeds from a reputable gardening center or a mature plant and prepare a pot of well-draining soil. Sow the seeds on the surface of the soil and lightly cover them with a fine layer of sand. Water the soil lightly and put the pot in a place with bright indirect light.
Keep the soil moist until germination occurs. This can take several weeks to months. As soon as the seedlings establish, transplant them to individual pots and provide the normal care as you would do for mature plants. This includes cutting back on watering and providing bright light.
Division
- Check if your lithops have formed new divisions at least with a leaf and root.
- Carefully separate the individual division ensuring its roots remain intact.
- Plant each division in a well-draining potting mix, ensuring the pot is deep enough for the root.
- Water sparingly after repotting, allowing the soil to dry out completely between waterings.
- Place the new plants in bright indirect light and maintain a warm temperature.
Problems and diseases
Lithops are sensitive to excessive moisture. Overwatering can cause root rot and eventual death. So, it’s important to water when the soil is completely dry. Always insert your finger in the soil to check the moisture level. Additionally, ensure the plant is not sitting in any standing water.
Pests such as mealybugs, aphids and spider mites can infest your lithops. These insects feed on plant’s sap resulting in yellowing, stunted growth and distortion of the leaves. Regularly inspect your plants for pests and treat with neem oil or insecticidal soap.
Extreme temperature fluctuations can also harm lithops. These plants prefer warm temperatures during their active growth period and cooler temperatures during their dormant phase. Exposure to cold drafts or heat can damage the leaves or kill the plant.
Final thought
Lithops are one of my favorite plants. I love them because they don’t take up too much room. They are just perfect for windowsill and any other space that receives optimum sunlight. Due to their low watering and fertilizer needs, I find caring for and maintaining lithops to be very easy.
My name is Diane M Lewik, and I am the founder of this website. I am a degree holder in plant biology from the University of California – Berkeley. Over the years, I have cultivated a vast collection of succulents and I have learned a great deal about how to grow and care for these unique plants. Feel free to ask any questions in the comment section below.
