Lithops are remarkable little plants that are native to Namaqualand, a small area of South Africa. They grow in very dry desert areas, with their stems buried in the stony earth and only the tips of the stems visible. Lithops are commonly known as living stones, and they are capable of fooling humans and animals alike that they are real stones!

Lithops make an ideal plant for a collector. Because they are small and have a slow, compact growth habit, a large collection can be grown in a relatively small space. The main fascination provided by Lithops is the variety of colours and patterns of the plant bodies, although they will produce flowers under favourable conditions. There are around 200 varieties and cultivars known.


Growing Requirements

Temperature
As Lithops originate in a very dry, hot desert area, the temperature needs to be 25 – 35c during the summer and 10c or above over the winter. They can be kept cooler so long as they have plenty of light and the compost is dry but they will not tolerate frost.

Compost
Lithops are best grown in a terracotta type pot or bowl. General-purpose compost with some grit added to help drainage is suitable or any proprietary cactus compost. An occasional feed, as you would for a houseplant, is allowed but mustn’t be overdone, as Lithops require very little in the way of nutrients.

Watering
During the winter months, the plants only need water to prevent the roots from drying out completely – once a month should be fine. Watering should be increased gradually from March until late May when the plant should be in full growth. You can safely at least once a week during the summer so long as the pot is not allowed to sit in a tray of water. From late September, you should reduce watering to make the plant to go into a semi-dormant state and by November you should be back in to the winter watering regime.

Genus: Lithops
Family: Aizoaceae