Lithops varieties (Living Stones) - 2 varieties available

Originating from South Africa, the lithops plant resembles small stones. They are either solitary or clump-forming succulents, with two swollen stems, we have the clump-forming variety in stock. If kept well these plants flower from the centre. The name derives from lithos, Greek for stone, and ops, meaning ‘like’.

The trick to keeping Lithops alive is to manage their watering carefully and ensure they are potted in a well draining substrate. Opt for a soil that has a maximum of 20% soil with the rest being, grit, sand and perlite. Do not water the plant when it is producing a new leaf.

Watering is based around the growth of new leaves. Lithops start their growth cycle in autumn. Give your plant some water in early September, it may also flower at this point. The plant continues to grow through winter and into spring, the new leaves coming through the fissure between the current leaves. Do not water in winter, the soil needs to be dry for the new leaves the emerge. Once the new leaves emerge and the old ones have dried out completely you can water again, a little at a time, allowing the soil to completely dry out inbetween. In other words, early September to pre-leaf production is the best time to water!

Rating- Moderate- Difficult

LOVES- Bright sunny locations

HATES- Overwatering

Pot diameter 8.5cm