Living Stone Plants (Lithops) are captivating succulents known for resembling pebbles. Native to arid southern Africa, their mimicry helps them evade herbivores. Their care is highly specialized.
Essential Care Requirements
Lithops thrive in desert-like conditions, needing substantial, direct sunlight (4-6 hours daily), ideally from a south-facing window. Insufficient light causes etiolation, where they stretch and lose their compact, stone-like form.
Soil must be an extremely well-draining, gritty mix with minimal organic matter. Standard potting soil causes rot. Use 80-90% inorganic materials (pumice, perlite, coarse sand, gravel) with a small amount of succulent potting mix to mimic rocky substrates, preventing waterlogging.
Warm, dry conditions are preferred: 65-85°F (18-29°C). Temperatures below 50°F (10°C) or above 100°F (38°C) are detrimental. High humidity isn’t a concern with correct watering, but can lead to fungal infections if soil stays damp.
The Critical Watering Cycle
Correct watering is crucial for Lithops. Overwatering is the primary cause of their demise; they store water in fleshy leaves and endure dry spells.
Their annual growth cycle dictates watering. During summer dormancy (July-August), Lithops require no water. If severely shriveled, a minimal “sip” may be offered, but caution is needed.
In autumn (September-November), Lithops enter an active growth phase; new leaves emerge, and they may flower. Water sparingly, allowing old leaves to shrivel as new ones absorb moisture. Slightly wrinkled sides with a firm top indicate readiness for watering.
During winter (December-February), new leaves absorb water from old ones, causing outer leaves to shrivel. Cease all watering; introducing water can interrupt this process, leading to rot or split leaves. By spring (March-June), old leaves should be dry and new leaves fully formed. Light watering can resume, ensuring soil dries completely between applications.
Bottom watering prevents moisture accumulation and rot between leaves. Careful top watering is an alternative, avoiding the central fissure. Monitor the plant’s appearance; shriveling on the sides, not the top, indicates a need for water.
Repotting Your Living Stone Plant
Lithops rarely require repotting due to slow growth and preference for being root-bound. Repot only when the plant outgrows its container, soil mix degrades, or multiple plants are separated. Repot during active growth (early autumn or spring) for minimal stress.
Terra cotta pots are preferred for their porous nature, promoting airflow and preventing excess moisture. Pot size should be slightly larger than the root ball, accommodating its deep taproot. Reusing the gritty, well-draining soil mix is important for drainage and aeration.
Repotting should be gentle to avoid damaging the delicate root system. After removing Lithops, inspect roots and remove any old, dead, or rotting material. Position the plant in the new pot with the top slightly above the soil surface, then fill with fresh mix. Avoid watering immediately; allow roots to heal for a few days before the first watering to prevent rot.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Lithops can encounter common problems, mostly from improper care. Rotting is the most frequent and severe, almost always from overwatering. Symptoms include mushy texture and discoloration, often fatal.
Shriveling or wrinkling can be normal during growth, especially when new leaves absorb nutrients from old ones or during dormancy. Persistent shriveling on the sides may signal underwatering. Distinguishing these natural processes from true dehydration is important for appropriate watering.
Etiolation (stretched growth) occurs when Lithops don’t receive enough light. The plant stretches vertically, losing its compact, stone-like form. Moving it to a brighter location can help, but existing stretched growth won’t revert.
Leaves splitting can happen from too much water, especially in winter when new leaves develop inside old ones. Excess moisture causes new leaves to burst prematurely, disrupting natural growth. Pests are uncommon, but root mealybugs can infest roots. Isolate and treat with insecticidal soap or alcohol.