Lithops, also known as “living stones” or “pebble plants,” are succulents native to the arid landscapes of southern Africa. Their appearance mimics the rocky terrain of their natural habitat, allowing them to blend seamlessly with their surroundings. These plants have plump, lobe-like leaves that emerge from the soil, resembling small, colorful stones. This camouflage helps them avoid predation.
Lithops Care
Light Needs
Lithops require bright, direct sunlight to thrive and maintain their compact form. They need a minimum of four to five hours of direct sun daily. Insufficient light causes them to stretch, a condition known as etiolation, where they become elongated and lose their squat shape and vibrant coloration. For indoor cultivation, a south-facing window is ideal, or supplemental grow lights can provide the necessary intensity.
Soil Requirements
Lithops require an extremely fast-draining, gritty substrate. Standard potting soil retains too much moisture and will lead to root rot. An appropriate mix consists predominantly of inorganic materials, ensuring rapid water drainage and good aeration. Components like pumice, perlite, coarse sand, or akadama, often mixed with a small amount of succulent potting mix, create an ideal environment for their root systems.
Watering Cycle
Watering Lithops is a critical aspect of their care, as they have a unique seasonal watering cycle tied to their growth phases. During their active growth period, typically fall and winter, deep but infrequent watering is appropriate. The “no water during splitting” rule is important; when new leaves emerge from the center of the old ones, the plant absorbs moisture from the old leaves, and external watering can cause rot. Determine when to water by observing the plant’s sides; if they appear shriveled or sunken, it indicates thirst, but the top surface should remain firm.
As spring arrives, Lithops enter dormancy, often marked by splitting, and should not receive water. Summer also represents a dormant phase for many Lithops species, and watering should be minimal or withheld. Overwatering, especially during dormancy or splitting, is the most common cause of Lithops failure. Always allow the soil to dry out completely for several weeks between waterings, even during active growth.
Temperature and Airflow
Lithops are well-suited to warm temperatures, thriving in environments ranging from 65°F to 80°F (18°C to 27°C) during active growth. They can tolerate higher temperatures, up to 90°F (32°C), with ample airflow and low humidity. Good air circulation is important to prevent fungal issues and help the soil dry quickly after watering. While they endure cooler nighttime temperatures, they are not frost-tolerant and must be protected from freezing conditions. Indoors, ensure adequate airflow through ventilation or gentle air movement.
Repotting Lithops
Repotting Lithops is necessary every few years, or when the plant outgrows its container, or the soil mix degrades. When repotting, carefully handle the plant to avoid damaging its taproot, which is crucial for water absorption. Choose a pot only slightly larger than the plant’s root system, with good drainage holes, and ideally made of terracotta. Terracotta helps wick away excess moisture, contributing to the fast-draining environment Lithops require.
Fill the pot with the specialized gritty, fast-draining soil mix, ensuring only the very top surface of the Lithops is visible above the soil line. The majority of the plant, including the neck and roots, should be buried. After repotting, wait at least a week before the first watering to allow any damaged roots to heal, minimizing rot risk.
Propagating Lithops
Propagating Lithops is primarily achieved through seed, the most reliable and common method. Seeds require warmth, consistent moisture, and adequate light to germinate. Seeds are sown on the surface of a gritty, well-draining soil mix and kept consistently moist until germination occurs. Lithops seedlings grow slowly, taking several years to reach maturity.
Division is another propagation option, though less common and riskier. This method is only suitable for mature Lithops with multiple heads or rosettes. Carefully separate individual heads, ensuring each division retains some root structure. However, this process can stress the plant and may not always be successful.
Troubleshooting Lithops Issues
Rot is the most common problem Lithops owners encounter, stemming from overwatering or an incorrect, moisture-retentive soil mix. Signs include a mushy texture, darkening of the plant’s body, and a foul odor. Prevention involves strict adherence to their watering cycle and using a highly porous soil.
Stretching, or etiolation, occurs when Lithops do not receive enough light, causing them to grow abnormally tall and lose their compact form. The plant will appear elongated rather than flat. The remedy involves moving the plant to a brighter location or providing supplemental grow lights.
Shriveling or wrinkling can indicate thirst if the plant is not splitting and the leaves appear sunken. However, it can also be a symptom of root rot, where roots are unable to absorb water despite moisture. Differentiating requires examining the plant’s firmness and the soil’s moisture level.
A lack of splitting or multiple heads often relates to inconsistent watering or insufficient light, disrupting natural growth cycles. Discoloration, such as reddish or brownish patches, can signal sunburn from sudden exposure to intense light. Fungal spots, small, dark blemishes, usually result from high humidity or poor air circulation.