Lithops or Living Stones are in the group of succulents that have evolved to resemble the pebbles and rocks. These plants are very small and they grow very slowly. In fact, it can take years for a plant to fill the pot with new leaves. Lithops’ leaves are very thick, some species are a single leaf, while others are deeply lobed to the level of the soil.
These plants are awesome collectibles, however, they require a careful hand to the level of the soil. As all succulents, they don’t need much water as the plant can die. If you care well for them and provide them with the right conditions, they will give flowers in mid-to-late summer.
Growing Conditions
Light:
Make sure you provide as much light as possible, because they thrive best in sunlight. Weak light will cause elongated leaves and washed out patterns on the leaves.
Water:
In the summer, as the plants are dormant, water them lightly if the leaves shrivel. In general, plants should not be watered during their summer dormancy or during the winter.
Temperature:
Warm in summer (household temperatures are fine) and colder in winter months (down to 55˚F/13˚C at night).
Soil:
For best results, use a cactus mix or very fast-draining potting soil mixed with sand.
Fertilizer:
Fertilizer is not necessary.
Propagation
You can propagate most lithops from seeds. Seedlings typically take 2-3 years to reach maturity and begin flowering.
Repotting
Because they grow slow, lithops are great houseplants. Older plants form attractive clumps of “pebbles” in their pots, which are highly prized. In general, repot the plants if there are cultural problems (soggy soil) or the plant has outgrown its dish container, which will only happen every several years.
Grower’s Tips
Lithops develop a new set of leaves every year. In late summer, the plant will go dormant and this means you should reduce, or stop watering in order to prevent bursting leaves. The flowers appear near the end of summer or fall, first showing up as a small bud forcing its way between the leaves and growth will begin again. It’s safe to water during this period. In winter, the leaves will still be growing, but you should stop watering, even as the older leaves shrivel up and encase the new growth. In spring, it’s safe to begin lightly watering again as the plant begins to grow again.