The succulents you thought were rocks? They’re the Lithops (or living stones), a genus of succulents that are native in southern Africa. They are older Lithops make clumps of bright pebbles that are placed in their pots and are ideal to use as a decorative element for your backyard. They are small and slow-growing they are relatively simple to maintain, especially when you are able to get the hang with the regular routine. Here, you’ll discover the basic information needed to properly care for your Lithops.

Lithops, often known as pebble plants are succulents that develop very slowly and rarely reach higher than 1 inch over the soil. They typically have only one leaf, which look more like rocks than leaves that have the fissure that separates them (small gaps) along with epidermal window (the tiny holes that are on their tops).

Toxicity Levels in Plants

Lithops are considered to be non-toxic for animals and humans. Actually, there’s some claims that African children consume the plants to satisfy their thirst.

However, they can could be toxic if chemicals, such as pesticides, are applied to the plants. Therefore, it is best to be careful and keep the plant out of pet’s reach in order to protect yourself.

Read more about this article to learn more about toxic and non-toxic succulents suitable for pets.

Essential Care Tips

1. Light Requirements

Lithops have evolved to withstand the harsh sun in their natural habitat. Therefore, the most effective way to maintain their health is to provide 4 to 5 hours of sunlight in the early morning and a little shade in the afternoon. A south or east-facing window with the best light is a great spot to keep your Lithops. Be aware that insufficient sunlight could cause leaves to become elongated and lose patterns.

Even though they love the sun however, extreme heat can damage their leaves and lead to the sunburn. Make sure you place them in areas that are less sun-lit or cover them in case you notice that their containers are absorbing too much heat in summer afternoon.

2. Optimal Temperature Conditions

The desert succulents known as Lithops which can be tolerant of temperatures that range from 90-100 degrees Fahrenheit. But, they will most likely flourish and thrive when cultivated in temperatures ranging from 65 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit.

Additionally, as the plant is susceptible to mold, make sure to provide an adequate amount of protection against freezing temperatures or even better, take the plants indoors when temperatures drop below 40 degrees.

3. Watering Requirements

Because Lithops can conserve water for months within the leaves the inability to water this plant in the wrong way in its growth cycle can cause its death.

To help you understand this issue, make sure you make sure to water your Lithops at least once every two weeks (at the very least) from the beginning to the final stages of summer when the plant is growing. When winter time arrives, it is best to just leave it alone and not rehydrate it at all since this is the time the time that its leaves begin to fade and new ones begin to emerge the plant. Watering it at this time of year can have a negative impact on the growth. This usually happens following their dormant time in the spring through early fall. When the days are getting shorter and temperatures get cooler in the fall the plants will become active once more.

Apart from the schedule for watering previously mentioned, another way to tell whether your Lithops require watering is to observe its state. If you notice that the plant begins to pucker or wrinkle, or appears to sink further into the pot, and is softer than normal after an easy squeeze, you should give it a refreshing drink.

4. Soil Requirements

It is ideal to allow Lithops to be cultivated in cactus mixes or a fast-draining pot dirt. Pebbles, sand, or other grity materials may be used to assist drainage of soil.

Fertilization Requirements

The majority of the time, Lithops do not require fertiliser to thrive. You can, however, feed it prior to the blooming time in order to stimulate this plant to flower.

To accomplish this, provide the Living Stones with a small amount of dilute cactus fertilizer, which is low in nitrogen and high in potassium throughout the spring season. Make sure you don’t use the fertilizer direct onto the leaves of your plant because this could cause burning or damage to the plant.

Repotting Guidelines

Lithops, as with all species are only repotted when there is a problem (soggy soil) or when the plants have outgrown their pots. If you do decide to repot the plants, you should only repotte them when the growing season begins (usually in April, which is the time of year when it’s most likely to be). The roots of Lithops need to be established (at at least two years) prior to any repotting being carried out.

Lithops Developing New Leaves

Lithops create new pairs of leaves each year. They can only have the one leaf pair at any given time which means that the older leaves will die in order for the new pair to appear. The process of forming new leaves begins after the blooming period. After the flowers have bloomed, Lithops will go into the dormant phase for a time in preparation for the new growth. The plants will absorb nutrients of the leaves that they have already absorbed and then the new pair of leaves will grow through the cracks of the old leaves.

In some instances it is possible that your Lithops may grow new leaves but not flower. In most cases it’s hard to determine the cause but it may be partly due to the Lithops are in the beginning of their development cycle.

A way to know the if your Lithops has new growth is to examine its leaves. If they are squishy as well as soft, it’s likely that the leaves are in the shredding phase. After a couple of days, you’ll soon see new leaves appearing. In other cases, it may be submerged. At this point avoid watering your Lithops until the old leaves have completely dried out.

Methods for Propagating Lithops

Lithops are propagated by seeds or divisions of plants. But, as they’re slow-growing plants, divisions do not typically develop for a long time. This is why Lithops are usually created from seeds that take months to develop and then years to become fully mature.

1. Seed Propagation

This is probably the most well-known method of growing Lithops. Make an area of soil similar to the one previously mentioned (fast-draining and containing grit). Sprinkle Lithops seeds lightly over the surface and over it with a small coat of sand. Keep the surface wet until the seeds begin to germinate Then gradually decrease the amount of water.

2. Division Method for Propagation

This technique is best done only when there is a clear division of the plant. Take Lithops with care out of the pot and then lightly dust all the dirt surrounding the root. Take a look at the roots and leaf pairs before deciding on cutting them, ensuring that each leaf has an adequate amount of taproot.

Repot them in a container that is sufficient in depth for the taproot to develop without the need to wrap around the pot. Add the same soil mix.

Frequent Issues

1. Excessive Watering

The unwatered Lithops can be able to show signs of

• Leaves that look yellow, mushy and soft.This is usually your first indication that they have too much water
• Brown spots, which are known as edema can occur when the root system of the plant has taken in much more fluid than the plant could manage.
• The splitting of leaf. The leaf of your Lithops will expand and pop out as the excess water has no where to go.
• Root Rot. This can be recognized if the soil is wet and humid while the root appear be mushy and brown.

If you notice that these symptoms begin to appear, swiftly look over your Lithops to find the issue and then remove the damaged roots and wash them by flushing them with water. Be sure to let the soil dry and then clean the healthy portion of the roots prior to potting it up with a new, clean soil mix and a container. Once you’ve done that, it’s the best to alter your watering schedule to ensure that no overwatering can happen again.

2. Stretching or Etiolation

Similar to other succulent, a lack of sunlight exposure can result in Lithops to spread out or to become in etiolated. If you notice that your plant appears like it is stretched, boost the lighting intensity. It is important to note that repair of a stretch or etiolated Lithops will require several growth cycles to allow your lithops to regain their normal dimensions.

3. Pests and Diseases

In addition, excessive watering Lithops could cause its apex to be attracting pests such as Spider mites and thrips mealybugs, scale bugs as well as snails, aphids Slugs, and root-knot Nematodes. In addition, mice and smaller animals could try to eat the plant due to the water it contains.

To learn how to protect your Lithops from these pests you could consult this page

Interesting Fact

Lithops are adorned with flowers! The flowers are daisy-like with white, yellow and orange hues. They usually bloom in late autumn and early winter. Similar to a shamrock Lithops flowers bloom early on sunny days and shut down later during the afternoon. If you have a clump of Lithops in bloom, the flower arrangement can completely cover the plant, concealing the tiny stones beneath.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Does Lithops one of the succulents?

Lithops, often referred to by the name of living stones are distinctive succulents that resemble stones or vibrant pebbles. They are slow-growing and are a fun addition to any outdoor or indoor collection of plants.

2. Are Lithops difficult to maintain?

Yes. Lithops aren’t easy to cultivate, but success is achievable if they receive the right treatment, including adequate sun, proper irrigation and are planted in a potting mix that is well-drained.

3. Do lithops thrive without soil?

In reality, Lithops do very well in a soilless environment. They don’t require dirt however it is recommended in order for Lithops to be planted into a safflowering soil mix or fast draining potting soil.