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Lithops Care

As one of the most intriguing, low-maintenance succulents, Lithops would make an intriguing addition to your decor. While they resemble colorful stones, Lithops are a pet safe plant that flourishes in the sunshine. Additionally, once they bloom, the flowers open up during the day and close at night. Lithops care may prove to be fairly simple, since it's drought tolerant, you'll need to ensure that it sits in soil that promotes draining.

How to care for your Lithops

Use these instructions to care for a Lithops. This guide will tell you how to water a Lithops; its light, temperature, humidity preferences and any additional care it might need to help it grow.

Lithops
LIGHT

Lithops love to perch on a window sill or in a spot that receives plenty of direct sunlight. A south-facing window is the best option for your Lithops, but if needed, you can place it near an east-facing window or supplement with a grow light as long as the direct exposure stays consistent for at least 6 hours.

WATER

Considering its capacity for storing water, you won’t have to water your Lithops very often. In fact, you’ll need to make sure to allow the soil to dry out completely. Also, if your plant shrivels or shrinks slightly, then you can water it until the excess liquid drains from the bottom of the pot. Be careful about overwatering since its roots are prone to rotting.

HUMIDITY

Your Lithops would find a dry environment to be the most comfortable. So your average household humidity level would be fine for your plant.

TEMPERATURE

Lithops thrive in averable household temperatures between 50℉ to 80℉. Overall, your plant loves warmth as long as it has plenty of fresh air.     

FOOD

Fertilizing your Lithops just once a year is the best choice since they’re accustomed to sandy soil with little nutrients. As their growing season starts, you can give your Lithops a small dose of diluted fertilizer made especially for succulents.  

TOXICITY

Lithops are non-toxic to humans and pets.

ADDITIONAL CARE

Lithops are very susceptible to rot if watered improperly. Always err on the side of underwatering, and water the soil surface only or use the bottom-watering method since watering the plant itself can cause rot.

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What's a Lithops?

Botanical Classification: Lithops spp.

About

Lithops, otherwise known as living stones, are part of the succulent family and are native to southern Africa. Living stones are naturally found in arid, rocky areas and will rarely grow taller than an inch above the soil. They evolved their shape in order to blend in with their surroundings for protection from grazing herbivores.

Adding to their appeal, a flower will bloom from the living stones plant in the fall. The flower offers a light fragrance, opening in the afternoon and closing at night. Living stones are small and easy to care for on a window ledge, desk, or shelf with minimal space. They will thrive almost anywhere that is well-lit. They make great housewarming gifts as anyone can care for them with minimal research.

Fun Fact

Living stones are very popular in terrariums. This is because they come in so many colors and are easy to care for, especially during the winter.

Pictured Left: Lithops

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