Lithops (Living Stones)

Botanical & Common Names
- Botanical name: Lithops
- Common names: Living Stones

Background & Origin
Lithops, commonly known as Living Stones, are fascinating succulents native to the arid regions of South Africa and Namibia. They are highly adapted to survive in harsh desert environments by mimicking the appearance of small stones, helping them avoid grazing animals. Each plant typically consists of a pair of fleshy, fused leaves that store water and sit mostly below the soil surface. The name comes from the Greek lithos meaning “stone” and ops meaning “face,” referring to their remarkable stone-like appearance. When mature and well cared for, they produce daisy-like flowers that emerge from the centre of the split leaves.

Care Level
- Care level: Moderate
- Suitable for beginners: These have specific watering routine.

What It Loves
- Bright warm spot
- Letting the compost dry out

What It Dislikes
- Overwatering or sitting in soggy soil
- Dark spots will cause legginess

Best Rooms for This Plant
- Bedroom
- Living room
- Office
- Conservatory

Growth Potential
- Typical height indoors: 5 cm in height
- Typical spread: Up to 5 cm wide
- Growth rate: Slow growing
- Pruning required: No

Is This Plant Right for You?
This plant is a great choice if you:
- Love unusual succulents
- Enjoy compact, conversation-starting plants

Light
- Best light: Bright warm spot with direct sunlight
- Avoid: dark shady spot

Watering
- Frequency: In early September, you can give a light watering, and it may also flower at this time. The plant will then grow slowly through winter into spring, with new leaves emerging from the fissure between the existing pair. Do not water Lithops while it is producing new leaves. Watering should follow its natural growth cycle, which begins in autumn.
- Seasonal note: Avoid watering throughout winter, as the soil must remain dry while the new leaves develop. Once the old leaves have fully dried and the new growth has emerged, you can begin watering again sparingly, always allowing the soil to dry out completely between waterings.

In short, the best watering window is from early September up until new leaf production begins, Only when soil is completely dry.

Humidity
- Prefers: No humidity
- Extra humidity helpful?: These plants are native to arid conditions and do not require humidity.

Feeding
- Feed with: Does not need feeding
- Frequency: N/A

Toxicity
- Pet safe:Yes
- Notes: Keep out of reach of pets and small children to avoid damage.

Repotting
- How often: Once a year
- Signs it’s needed: Roots growing out of the drainage holes, slower growth, or soil drying very quickly. Choose a pot only slightly larger than the current one to avoid overwatering.Opt for a soil that has a maximum of 20% soil with the rest being, grit, sand and perlite.