Lithops, commonly known as Living Stones, are fascinating stemless succulents that remarkably mimic the appearance of small pebbles or stones in their native arid environments. These unique plants consist of a pair of fleshy, fused leaves with a fissure across the top, from which new leaves and flowers emerge. Their cryptic camouflage is an evolutionary adaptation to avoid detection by herbivores and to withstand harsh conditions, making them intriguing additions to succulent collections.
 
Key Features of Lithops (Living Stones)
Mimicry (Camouflage): The most striking feature is their resemblance to stones, with diverse patterns, colors, and textures on their exposed leaf surfaces.
Fused Pair of Leaves: Each plant unit consists of two fused, succulent leaves.
Fissure: A split or fissure across the top surface allows for the emergence of new leaves and flowers.
Stemless Growth: Lithops lack a visible stem, with the majority of the plant body occurring below the soil surface.
Taproot: They possess a long taproot that anchors them and helps them access water deep in the soil.
Annual Leaf Cycle: Lithops undergo an annual cycle where a new pair of leaves develops inside the existing one, which then gradually withers away.
Daisy-like Flowers: Mature plants can produce solitary, daisy-like flowers that emerge from the fissure, typically in shades of white or yellow, and occasionally orange or pink.
 
Care for Your Lithops (Living Stones)
Light: Require very bright light, ideally direct sunlight for several hours a day, to maintain their compact growth and vibrant colors. Insufficient light can lead to etiolation (stretching) and loss of their characteristic appearance.
Soil: Need extremely well-draining soil to prevent rot. A mix consisting primarily of inorganic materials like pumice, perlite, grit, and a small amount of fine sand is crucial. Avoid mixes rich in organic matter.
Watering: Watering is the most critical aspect of Lithops care and varies significantly throughout the year, mimicking their natural wet and dry seasons. Generally, water sparingly during the active growing seasons (spring and fall) only when the existing leaves become slightly soft or wrinkled. Completely withhold water during the winter and the dormant summer period when the plant is shedding old leaves and growing new ones internally.
Temperature: Prefer warm temperatures during their active growth periods and can tolerate high temperatures in their dormant summer phase as long as they are kept dry. Protect from freezing temperatures.
Humidity: Thrive in low humidity environments. Good air circulation is essential.
 
Maintenance for Healthy Living Stones
Repotting: Repot infrequently, typically every 2-3 years or when the pot becomes crowded, using a suitable inorganic-rich mix. Repotting is best done during one of the active growing seasons. Be careful not to damage the taproot.
Removing Old Leaves: Do not remove the old, outer leaves as the new leaves draw moisture from them. Allow them to dry and wither naturally.
Pest Control: Monitor for common succulent pests like mealybugs, which can sometimes hide in the fissure or beneath the leaves. Treat any infestations promptly with appropriate methods.
Fertilizing: Generally do not require fertilization. The harsh conditions of their native habitat mean they are adapted to nutrient-poor soil. Over-fertilizing can be harmful.
 
Propagation Methods for Lithops (Living Stones)
Seeds: The primary method of propagation is through seeds. Fresh seeds have a higher germination rate. Sow seeds on a fine, sandy, well-draining mix and provide warmth and humidity. Seedlings are very small and require careful attention.
Division (Clumping Plants): Over time, some Lithops species can form clumps of multiple heads. These can be carefully divided, ensuring each division has a healthy root system. Division is best done during repotting in the active growing season.
 
Lithops, or Living Stones, are truly unique and fascinating succulents that captivate with their stone-like appearance and intricate annual growth cycle. Their specific watering needs and preference for bright light and inorganic soil require careful attention, but the reward is a collection of living gems that showcase the remarkable adaptations of plants to arid environments.
 
 
* Picture and information intended only as a guide. Size and colours of plants will vary, not any 1 plant is exactly the same and minor variations will occur.
 
** All plants will be posted bare rooted.
 
** Due to this species being grown from seed specific varieties cannot be accurately identified and named. An assortment of varieties are available and will be sent at random.