If you’ve ever stumbled upon a container with a pair of flat-topped split rocks in the succulent section of a garden center, you may have encountered the unique lithops plant, an African succulent genus.
Known as split rocks or pebble plants, lithops living stone plants are highly drought-resistant and commonly found in low-water gardens in desert locales. They can thrive indoors as well as outdoors, but outdoor cultivation requires careful attention to avoid excessive watering.
Remember, the term lithops is both singular and plural, so don’t go looking for a lithop… always seek out lithops succulents. Embrace the uniqueness of this plant and incorporate it into your succulent garden for an interesting touch!
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Lithops Overview
| Common Name | Lithops plants, living stones, living stone plant, split rocks, split rock plant, pebble plant, flowering stones |
| Scientific Name | Lithops aucampiae, Lithops dorotheae, Lithops fulviceps, Lithops hookeri, Lithops karasmontana, Lithops lesliei, Lithops localis, Lithops optica, Lithops pseudotruncatella, Lithops ruschiorum, Lithops salicola, Lithops verruculosa, Lithops viridis and other lithops species |
| Family | Aizoaceae |
| Light | Full sun to partial shade |
| Water | Extremely light to none at all |
| Temperature | Optimal 65-80 degrees, tolerant to 90-100, avoid below 50 degrees |
| Humidity | Tolerant of short bursts of humidity |
| Soil | Gritty or rocky, sandy soils; well-draining soil preferred |
| Fertilizer | No or extremely light high-phosphorous |
| Pests | Most common are spider mites. Also prone to thrips, scale insects, mealybugs, aphids, and more. Small animals may be attracted for water content. |
| Diseases | Minimal diseases but may develop rot from overwatering, cold exposure, or damage |
All About Lithops
Lithops plants are intriguing small succulents that are sensitive to seasonal changes but can thrive for decades. Many species bloom in fall, adding a burst of color to the landscape.
Let’s delve into the lifecycle of the lithops succulent plant in detail and explore some common varieties.
Lithops Lifecycle
Visible above-ground in lithops plants are a pair of fleshy succulent leaves resembling flowering stones, with the majority of the plant underground. These succulents feature window-like cells on leaf surfaces for optimal light absorption aiding in photosynthesis.
While the primary taproot is crucial for survival, finer roots supplement nutrition intake as needed. Lithops typically flower in late autumn or early winter, with some species blooming in spring or early summer.
The daisy-like lithops flowers can range from half-inch to an inch and a half in diameter, appearing in shades of orange, white, or pale yellow, with a spicy-sweet fragrance in some species.
These flowers open in the afternoon for pollination, relying on insects or humans for seed production, as lithops are not self-pollinating. Once the flower fades, a seed capsule forms which opens when moistened, allowing seeds to disperse.
After dispersal, the lithops seed capsule closes to protect remaining seeds. To harvest lithops seeds, simulate rain by dripping water on the capsule until it opens.
Upon reopening, the removal of fine seeds is crucial.
Following the completion of flowering, a lithops plant will enter dormancy, laying the groundwork for a new body. Emerging from the crevice between the aging leaves, a new leaf pair signals the plant’s resurgence.
Over a span of time, the plant will extract moisture and nutrients from the older leaves, channeling them into the development of the fresh pair. As the older leaves gradually desiccate, thinning out to a papery texture without their former moisture, they are ready to be shed to unveil the rejuvenated plant body.
Lithops have the potential to grow in size by producing two leaf pairs instead of the typical single pair, eventually forming clusters of diminutive plants.
Varieties of Lithops
With an estimated 37 species and about 145 varieties of lithops in existence, new varieties continue to be discovered or created through hybridization, often shipped bare root.This diverse array includes the following popular houseplant selections.
Lithops aucampiae
Named in honor of the discoverer, Juanita Aucamp, Lithops aucampiae hails from South Africa. It thrives in sandy, highly-draining soils such as sandstone, chert, quartzite, and ironstone. Predominantly red to red-brown in color, this species is known for its yellow or white blossoms. Its forgiving nature regarding watering practices contributes to its popularity among horticulturists.
Lithops dorotheae
Also originating in Southern Africa, Lithops dorotheae was named for its discoverer Dorothea Huyssteen. It typically grows on feldspar, sheared quartz, and quartzite, adapting well to various gritty soils. Sporting a creamy pale green hue with mottled brown or dark green leaf surfaces speckled with cream, this species showcases annual yellow flowers.
Lithops fulviceps
Hailing from Namibia, Lithops fulviceps favors rocky and cold desert regions but can also thrive on limestone slopes. Its leaves exhibit greyish-green or yellowish sides with mottled orange, brown, green, and cream-colored upper surfaces. The resemblance of its leaf shapes to kidney beans shifts to a neat oval form when not in bloom. It produces white or yellow flowers, depending on the specific cultivar.
Lithops hookeri
Lithops hookeri, native to South Africa, prefers quartzite, lava rock, and some limestone terrains for growth. This species, known for its stone-like appearance, can grow quite large, developing leaf sizes of nearly 2 inches across. Its leaves boast upper surfaces ranging from brownish to red or pink tones, occasionally tinged with orange, while the sides typically exhibit a dull grey or greyish-brown hue. Bright yellow flowers are a characteristic feature.
Lithops karasmontana, ‘Karas Mountains Living Stone’
With variegations mirroring the grey and brown shades of local quartzite stones, Lithops karasmontana’s red-orange upper leaf in select variants like var. laricheana presents a striking contrast. It typically grows in the Karas Mountains of Namibia and South Africa, producing brilliant white flowers accented by a yellow center.
Lithops pseudotruncatella, ‘Truncate Living Stone’
Distinctive in its appearance, the truncate living stone originated in southwestern Africa. Its exterior leaf walls feature a uniform grey tone, while the upper leaf
Distinct patterns of cream, olive green, and rust intertwine on the surfaces of these remarkable plants.
A species that often falls victim to mealybugs, these lithops are known for their resilience and longevity, surviving on minimal water by absorbing moisture from the air.
Lithops ruschiorum
With hues ranging from off-white to grey or tan, this plant bears a striking resemblance to a living rock, some displaying creamy tones while others sport streaks reminiscent of darker stones.
Native to Namibia, this species thrives in cold deserts and rocky terrains.
Lithops salicola, ‘Salt-Dwelling Living Stone’
Named for its habitat rich in minerals, this plant can endure erratic watering schedules, hailing from Namibia and South Africa. While intolerant of freezing temperatures, its grey to grey-green leaves can withstand dry, cool weather, blooming with bright white or yellow flowers in late summer or early fall, earning it the prestigious Award of Garden Merit from the Royal Horticultural Society.
Lithops verruculosa
Recognizable by the red warts adorning its surface, these flowering stones come in various colors, from reddish hues to gray-greens with distinctive red warting. Cultivars produce different colored flowers, such as pink-tinged blooms from the “Rose of Texas” variety, originating in Southern Africa.
Lithops viridis, ‘Green-Rock Plant’
Native to a small region in South Africa’s Northern Cape, this plant boasts uniform greyish-pink, grey-green, or pure grey tones. With yellow flowers sporting yellow or white centers, lithops viridis is a prized specimen, particularly the greenish variants resembling pale green-grey nubs emerging from sandy soil.
Lithops Care
Caring for lithops is relatively hands-off, as these plants are self-sufficient. However, understanding how to care for them is crucial.
Light
In their natural habitat, lithops thrive in full sun, requiring sufficient sunlight for their distinctive displays.
In gardens or as houseplants, 4-5 hours of direct sunlight daily suffice, with some partial shade tolerated. Coastal or cooler regions may permit full-day sun exposure, while desert locales necessitate indirect light and afternoon shade to prevent overheating.
For indoor plants, ensure daily direct sunlight and rotate them regularly to avoid elongation of leaves or color loss due to inadequate light. South or west-facing windows usually provide ample sunlight, but regular rotation is still advised.
Transition indoor plants gradually back to longer sunlight exposure in spring to prevent leaf scarring from sudden intense light.
Temperature
Originating from regions where frost is rare, lithops are extremely sensitive to cold. Avoid exposing them to temperatures below 50 degrees Fahrenheit, as it can lead to leaf damage and plant decay.
While these plants thrive in temperatures between 65-80 degrees, they can withstand brief spells of intense heat up to the 90s and 100s, provided they receive morning sun and afternoon shade.
Water
Watering lithops can be challenging due to their origins in drought-prone areas, where they’ve adapted to minimal water intake for survival.
During their growing seasons in spring and fall, water sparingly every ten days, ensuring the soil dries out several inches deep between waterings.
Monitor your plant’s behavior; if it seems content without additional water, it may be absorbing enough moisture from the air. Limit exposure to rain, as excess moisture can lead to decay.
Adjust watering practices based on the seasons and be cautious not to overwater these desert plants, following these guidelines to ensure their longevity and health.
Watering
In the scorching summer heat, living stones enter a dormant phase, requiring cautious watering only when signs of dehydration like wrinkling or dryness appear.
For summer watering, it is advisable to water sparingly in the early morning directly on the lithops without soaking them. A minimal amount of water is ample to revive the leaves and restore the plant’s vigor.
During winter, refrain from watering as the plant is semi-dormant, except for instances where a lingering flower may be present in early winter.
Given their vulnerability to overwatering, opting for underwatering is recommended to keep your lithops thriving.
Soil
An ideal lithops soil mix is a well-draining cactus blend rich in grit. Mimicking their natural sandy to granite habitats, avoid retaining excess moisture.
In case a cactus mix is unavailable, creating a custom mix of 50% compost or potting soil with 50% grit materials like pumice or sand ensures proper drainage.
Rich soils retaining too much water can lead to root rot or pest infestations. Given their resilience to harsh conditions, opt for sandy or gritty potting mixes.
Fertilizer
Typically, lithops do not require frequent fertilization as they receive minimal nutrients naturally.
Occasional fertilization with a heavily diluted low-nitrogen, high-potassium cactus fertilizer before flowering season may promote blooming.
Exercise caution with fertilization, mimicking their natural environment with scarce nutrients intake. Avoid foliar application to prevent leaf sunburn.
Propagation
Propagating lithops from seeds is a common method. Sow lithops seeds on a prepared soil surface and lightly water until germination, gradually reducing water for seedling growth.
Division of parent plants is another propagation technique. Carefully sever clusters, preserving taproots for successful offshoot growth.
Post-separation, follow repotting directives for thriving lithops offspring.
Repotting
Repotting lithops is infrequent, often warranted only for division or plant colony expansion.
Use deep pots to accommodate taproots, ensuring they grow without coiling. Maintain leaf tops slightly above the soil surface during repotting.
Post-repotting, emulate their natural surroundings with gravel or rocks atop the soil and avoid frequent transplanting.
Pruning
Living stones require minimal to no pruning, as their foliage self-regulates with new leaves replacing older ones naturally.
Occasionally clear papery remnants of older leaves to aid in healthy growth, allowing old leaves to wither off independently.
Lithops Problems
Common issues with lithops stem from overwatering, inviting pests, or growth anomalies needing prompt redress.
Growing Problems
Etiolation, generally due to inadequate sunlight, results in distorted growth patterns. Gradually reintroduce light exposure to mitigate this issue.
Combat leaf desiccation by adjusting watering routines and prevent further moisture loss or blemishing.
Leaf scrapes might occur, resembling scars, which heal as new growth replaces damaged foliage.
Pests
Though relatively pest-resistant, lithops may attract spider mites that thrive in dry conditions, causing leaf withering.
Regular inspection helps detect and address pest infestations promptly to safeguard plant health.
If you have spider mites on your plant, you might want to try using neem oil. Apply it along the sides and in the center crevice of the plant, as mites tend to avoid the upper surface of leaves. A light misting is sufficient – avoid over-saturating the plant!
Other pests that may target your plant are considered opportunistic and usually have a preference for different plants. However, they might still attack your living stones if they find them appealing. Here are some potential pests to watch out for:
- Thrips: Look out for thrips between older and new leaves of pebble plants causing dark scarring on the new leaves. Use insecticidal soap on lithops and nearby plants to combat them.
- Scale Insects or Mealybugs: These pests can infest cacti and succulents. Remove them by scraping and treat with insecticidal soap.
- Aphids: Keep an eye out for cactus aphids attracted to the juicy lithops leaves. Insecticidal soap should help get rid of them.
- Snails and Slugs: Outdoor living stones may be at risk from these grazing pests. Use bait to lure them away from your succulent garden.
- Root Knot Nematodes: These microscopic pests can affect lithops roots, causing warping. Use well-draining soil to prevent infestation.
- Mice: Surprisingly, mice may find lithops appetizing. Use traps to keep them away and consider protective mesh for outdoor plants.
Spider mites are the most common pest for lithops, but being prepared for other pests is important in case they appear!
Diseases
Lithops are generally resilient to most plant diseases. Their sandy soil and water storage leaves make them less susceptible to fungal diseases. However, overwatering can lead to rots and bacterial infections from damaged leaves.
To avoid plant diseases, be cautious not to damage the lithops leaves and water only when necessary.
Cold temperatures below 40 degrees can also cause rot in lithops, as frozen water-filled cells burst inside the plant. Protect your plant from extreme cold to prevent this type of rot.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Are lithops hard to grow?
A: Lithops are slow-growing but require minimal care, making them easy to maintain.
Q: How often should you water lithops?
A: Water lithops sparingly. Look for wrinkling leaves as a sign they need watering; these plants store water in their leaves, visible when they appear less plump.
Q: Do lithops split every year?
A: Yes, it’s normal for lithops to split as new leaf pairs form, shedding old layers, a process that can resemble shedding snake skin.
Q: What do overwatered lithops look like?
A: Overwatered lithops may show yellowing, mushy texture indicating rot, or blistered, brown patches known as edema due to excess water.
Q: What is Blue Witchford lithops?
A: Be cautious of unusually colored plant seeds like “Blue Witchford lithops” sold online; many are fraudulent. Images may be altered and misrepresent the product. Buy from reputable sources to avoid scams.
Q: Are lithops poisonous?
A: While lithops are non-toxic, their taste and edibility are questionable. Consult professionals if concerned about toxicity to pets or humans.
When in doubt, seek professional advice for safety.
