LITHOPS
Scientific Name: Lithops
Common Name: Lithops, Living Stones
Family: Aizoaceae
Native to: South Africa
Available in a 2" nursery pot if purchased on its own.
Non-toxic to pets and people.
LIGHT
Place lithops directly in an eastern or southern-facing window to receive 4-5 hours of direct sun in the early portion of the day and indirect light in the afternoon/evening. Lithops can lose their markings, change color and grow leggy if not receiving enough direct light.
WATER
Correct watering is critical for the success of this plant.
When Not to Water: Lithops go dormant in the summer and should not be watered at that time. Avoid watering in winter and spring as well.
When to Water: Late spring into early summer. Pause during summer and then resume in late summer to early fall.
Tips About Watering:
- Avoid watering when the lithops is growing new leaves or flowering.
- If your lithops appears wrinkled during the summer, only give it enough water to rehydrate the top inch of soil. Do not give it much water at all.
- Soil should be well-draining succulent mix with lots of sand and perlite and the pot should have drainage. Lithops have an extensive root system so pots should be around 3-4 inches tall. When watering be mindful of the quantity of water you give it to allow all of the roots to access that water.
TIPS
- Sensitive to over-watering and watering at the incorrect stage of growth can result in death of the plant.
- Rotate often to ensure even growth.
- Daisy-like flowers will grow from the center of the plant. Once it has flowered it will grow a new pair of leaves and the old leaves will eventually shrivel up and dry. Do not remove leaves as they are drying up, they are providing the new leaves with nutrients and water.
TOXICITY
Non-toxic to people and pets.