Lithops are small plants without stems suitable for growing in dry, subtropical, and temperate regions. They look unique because their two leaves are joined together, making them look like a pebble or a rough stone on their side. They come in different colours, like yellowish-brown or grey, but they all have a similar body shape because they evolved that way. 

Now, you can bring this botanical delight to your home!

About Lithops Plant

Lithops, which means ‘stone-face’ in Greek, are plants that look like stones. They belong to the Lithops genus and are part of the Aizoaceae family. They live in dry, rocky places and develop their stone-like appearance to protect themselves from plant-eating animals.

We would like to brush up on some quick history of the plant!

In 1811, William John Burchell found a weird brownstone with a crack on it while exploring southern Africa. He discovered it near a place called Prieska in the Northern Cape Province.

This stone turned out to be the first Lithops ever found. When he looked closer, he realised it was a succulent plant. These plants have evolved to look exactly like the sand and stones around them. They blend in so well that it can be hard to notice, even for experts who have studied them for a long time.

Lithops bloom in late autumn or early winter, although some species bloom in spring or early summer. A single flower grows from between the pair of leaves. However, only plants older than 3 years (sometimes 5) will have flowers.

The lithops flower looks like a daisy and can be small or medium-sized, ranging from half an inch to an inch and a half. It can be orange, white, or pale yellow. Some flowers have a pleasant smell that is described as spicy-sweet.

Benefits of Having Lithops Living Stones

World’s Most Camouflaged Plant:

• Lithops come in different colours but look tan to brown in direct sunlight.
• Their body structure helps them blend in with rocks for camouflage, and the light colouration helps them blend in well under direct sunlight.
• These adaptations make them well-suited for survival in desert environments.

Survive with Minimal or No Water

• Lithops like to live in the desert areas of Namibia, Botswana, South Africa, and nearby parts of Angola. These places have rocky ground and little rain.
• Some types of lithops need a little bit of rain, but most of them can survive without any rain and rely on dew in the morning.
• They prefer hot summers and frigid winters. 
• In darker conditions, they close their leaves to save water.

Can Live for a Period of Up To 50 Years:

• Lithops have a long lifespan of up to 40 or 50 years.
• Keeping a Lithops plant in the same pot for 10 or 20 years is possible.

Multiple Ways To Style Lithops:

• Pebble Plants come in intriguing shapes, sizes, patterns, and colours.
• You can add contrasting shades of Lithops to complement your colour scheme.
• Create a refreshing atmosphere in your bedroom with different types of Lithops in ceramic pots.
• Place them on a windowsill, desk, or as bookends on a shelf.

How To Care and Maintain Lithops

Tips for Watering Lithops:

• Lithops plants only need to be watered twice a year for their health.
• Watering in the fall helps them grow and flower.
• Watering in the spring promotes the growth of new leaves.
• During other times, it’s best not to water lithops.
• Proper watering techniques are crucial for their well-being.
• The soil should be drenched until it drains from the pot’s holes.
• Lithops are dormant in the summer and don’t require watering.
• Watering in fall and spring helps them bloom and produce new leaves.
• Avoid watering lithops in winter to prevent the old leaves from dying.
• Watering in summer is only necessary if the leaves are wrinkled or drying out.

Light Requirements of Lithops:

• Lithops need 4-5 hours of direct sunlight daily to thrive.
• Placing lithops near a south-facing or east-facing window indoors is best for their growth.
• Insufficient sunlight can hamper lithops growth and cause yellow leaves or stretching.
• Inadequate sunlight is one of the reasons why lithops may die.
• After the dark winter, lithops may need time to adjust to bright sunlight gradually to avoid stress and leaf damage.

The Best Soil for Growing Lithops

• Soil mix for cactus plants is the best for lithops.
• Combining regular houseplant soil with perlite, coarse sand, or crushed gravel improves drainage.
• Sandy deserts and rocky ground are the natural habitat of lithops.
• Choose a substantial pot with drainage holes for lithops to accommodate their extensive root systems and prevent soggy soil.

Living Stone’s Temperature Requirements

• Lithops can handle intense heat and survive temperatures as low as 50 F.
• They can tolerate room temperatures between 65 to 80 F.
• They can withstand short periods of even higher temperatures, around 90 to 100 F.
• They are not adapted to handle harsh winter temperatures below 50 F.
• They are native to arid areas and have not had to adapt to different colour temperatures.
• In hardiness zones 10 and 11, they can survive outdoors without being moved indoors.
• In colder regions, they may need to be brought indoors during winter or on nights below 50 F.
• Placing them outside during the summer helps with their natural dormancy cycle.

Fertilising your Lithops:

• Lithops thrive in poor soil conditions.
• Adding a diluted cactus fertiliser in late summer can promote blooming.
• High-potassium, low-nitrogen fertiliser is recommended.