Lithops are little, intriguing plants native to southern Africa that are rather simple to grow inside. William John Burchell made the initial discovery of the Lithops in 1811 while on a botanical expedition in southern Africa. He came uncovered a strange-looking brown stone with a fracture running across its surface while exploring the Northern Cape Province, not far from the town of Prieska. This odd-looking stone proved out to be a succulent plant upon closer investigation. Due to their resemblance to stones, these members of the Mesembryanthemaceae (Aizoaceae) plant family were given the names lithos and opsis. Because they resemble tiny hoofprints, these plants are called locally by the Afrikaans names beeskloutjie (cattle hoof), skaappootjie (sheep hoof), or perdeklou (horse’s hoof). Even for those with a trained eye and years of experience, it can be challenging to spot Lithops in their native habitats in Namibia and South Africa because they have evolved to blend in so well with their surroundings—looking exactly like the sand and stones they live among in shape, size, and color.
Lithops are found in dry locations in colonies that are widely spaced apart and poorly populated. The word has both a singular and a plural form. In regions where Lithops are found, there is often less than 20 millimeters of rain per year, with the majority falling in the spring and fall. A few species rely on mist or fog as their primary supply of moisture, and some are found in regions with an average annual rainfall of four or less. They can grow on quartz grit or gravely flats, stony ridges and hills of sand, decomposed granite, quartzite, shale, schist, and limestone, as well as in many different types of environments. The Nama Karoo and succulent Karoo are home to the vast majority of Lithops species, which are particularly prevalent along the Orange River basin in the Northern Cape, which spans between Namibia and western South Africa.
Due to their ability to store water, virtually the entire plant of lithops is devoted to this purpose, they may survive in these dry places. Each plant is made up of two succulent leaves that have been fused together to form an inverted cone (although some species will produce multi-headed plants). The separation between the two leaves is represented by the fissure at the plant’s top. The taproot unites abruptly at the base of the leaves; there is no stem. The plants can go months without rain because to their large, water-storing leaves. They shrivel and shrink below the soil level during dry spells (nearly always).
These tiny succulents, which have almost no stems, are partially underground. In their natural habitat, plants only reach heights of 1/2 to 1 and widths of 1 to 3 inches, growing flush with the ground. The effects of the strong heat and sunlight where they live are reduced by remaining small and maintaining a low profile. However, this also creates a challenge in illuminating the leaf cells’ subterranean chlorophyll, which is used for photosynthetic activity. Wide leaf tips have windowed cells that allow light to enter the interior of the leaf, where it is diffused before reaching the chlorophyll, which is dispersed throughout the interior leaf edges, in order to resolve this paradox.
There are at least 37 species of Lithops, and more than 145 different variants have been identified. Although they all appear relatively similar to one another, they differ largely in terms of body shape, patterns, color, and texture. They are available in several soft shades of gray, brown, rust, green, and pink. The patterns of dots, lines, or patches on the upper surface, which aid in their ability to replicate their surroundings, vary considerably. Where the markings occur, there can also be dimples or indentations. The windows may completely enclose most of the leaf surfaces or the marks may densely cover the leaf surface.
The majority of Lithops bloom in the late fall and early winter, giving out numerous-petaled daisy-like yellow, pale orange, or white blooms. On sunny days, the blooms bloom in the afternoon and close again in the late afternoon. The crack between the leaves is where the flowers appear. There are perfumed flowers. Depending on the species and circumstances, they can be anywhere between 1/2 to 11/2 inches in size.
Because lithops are self-sterile, pollination is required to create seed. The hydrochastic 4–8 chambered fruiting capsule, which protects the seed, only opens when moistened, revealing the tiny seeds. In the natural world, raindrops splash out seeds up to a few feet or up to an inch from the parent plant. Any seeds still inside the capsule are protected until the following rain when the capsule closes after drying.
Following flowering, the plant enters a dormant stage during which at least one new body grows. As the new leaves emerge in the spring, the plants begin to reabsorb the old ones. Eventually, the crack between the old leaves is where the new body emerges. The new leaves’ fissure forms at a roughly 90-degree angle to the existing fissure. The old leaves eventually decompose into a dry, papery sheath on the side of the new body. At this point, a lot of plants will also divide to create many leaf pairs, which will eventually cause a single body to resemble a little cluster.
Lithops are common novelty houseplants because they can survive in low humidity, require little maintenance and water, and are reasonably simple to grow. These plants don’t require much space due to their modest size and sluggish, compact growth. Lithops live for 40 to 50 years on average. A plant can easily be kept in the same pot for ten or twenty years. Lithops are not harmful to people or animals. (Some references even mention African youngsters consuming these plants to relieve their thirst.) In cultivation, their health is reliant on adequate bright light, effective soil drainage, and appropriate watering.
Although a greenhouse is recommended, lithops can be grown effectively on a sunny windowsill where they get about 4 to 5 hours of direct sunlight in the morning and some shade in the afternoon. The optimum site is typically a southern window, while an unobstructed eastern exposure is a fine alternative. A plant will start to grow elongated and skinny, lean to one side to get more light, lose color and turn greenish, and eventually die if better circumstances are not provided. However, take care when transferring a plant suddenly to a brighter location. It could suffer deadly injuries from sunburn.
Similar to cactus, lithops demand well-drained soil. Use specialized cactus potting soil or add sharp sand, perlite, decomposed granite, or other grit to standard houseplant potting soil to help with drainage. These plants require a larger container than their apparent size would suggest because of their enormous root systems. To provide the roots enough room to expand, pots with drain holes and a depth of 3 to 5 inches are advised. Instead of having the plant’s top directly on the soil’s surface as it would in nature, place it just a little bit above it. For a more natural appearance, several growers topdress the plant with gravel or surround it with stones. Lithops go through a yearly cycle of growth, and it’s important to water them just when necessary and let the soil dry up at other times. The main factor contributing to early death is overwatering. They decay or grow new bodies at the incorrect time of year when there is too much water present. They grow stunted if there is little water. Depending on how rapidly the potting media dries out, you need to water more frequently. Generally speaking, water the plant and let it air dry fully (probably 1-2 weeks). After that, wait a few more days before watering once more. If unsure, don’t! The optimum time to water is in the morning because this allows the extra water to drain and the top soil layers to dry off pretty fast. Here are some general watering recommendations (however species may affect them slightly):
- from late spring to summer, water.
- Stop watering the plant in the summer when it turns dormant. Only water until the top half inch of the soil is moist if the plant truly starts to shrivel. This will restore the plant’s firm appearance.
- Watering should be resumed in late summer or early fall when plants begin to develop and bloom again. When the slit between the leaves starts to open up in anticipation of flowering, that is the first indication of growth.
- Lithops need to be completely dry during the winter and spring. Stop watering the plant so that the old leaf pair can dry out and make way for the new pair. The new body should be discernible by early April. Once the remains of the previous body have totally dried out and shriveled, watering can be resumed. The plant won’t grow properly if water is given too soon since the old “leaves” will want to continue to grow. Keep in mind that when the new leaves are developing, the old ones should completely dry out.
Utilize a low nitrogen, high potassium type of fertilizer when fertilizing Lithops. Lithops can withstand extremely high temperatures provided there is sufficient abundance of fresh air. Don’t ever let the plants freeze.
Today, specialty succulent nurseries sell seeds, plants, and a wide variety of cultivars. They sprout from seeds swiftly, and under ideal circumstances, they can be anticipated to flower in 3 to 4 years. The seeds should be sown on sandy soil during the summer and covered with a very thin layer of fine sand. Water the small seeds sparingly to avoid moving them. Keep the contents damp but not soggy and place the container in a warm, sunny location. In a few weeks, the first seeds should begin to sprout (but germination may be spread out over a long period of time, with stragglers taking as long as a year). Once the seedlings are growing quickly, watering should be reduced such that the upper 1/4 of the medium dries out and the lower 1/4 remains moist. Water sparingly during this time because too much watering could dampen off the seedlings. Start allowing the plants totally dry out for a few days between waterings when they are 2 to 3 months old, and then gradually extend the drying period. When the baby plants are around a year old, they can be transplanted. Another way to multiply lithops is to divide a multiheaded plant. Susan Mahr, University of Wisconsin-Madison Lift the plant, carefully cut through the roots, and then quickly replant it.
Are dogs poisoned by lithops?
We all care for and want to protect our pets. Are succulents toxic to cats or other pets? is one of the most often asked questions we get regarding succulents. It makes sense that pet owners would worry about the safety of succulents given the popularity of cacti and succulents as indoor plants.
Are succulents okay for cats, dogs, and other pets to be around? Fortunately, there are many succulents available that are both non-toxic and suitable for pets.
Here are 15 succulents and cacti safe to have around your beloved pets:
From Southern Mexico to South America, echeverias are present. The stunning rosettes with excellent features and hues that define echeverias. The rosettes can be tight and short-stemmed or they can hang from stems and vary in size and shape.
There are many different types of leaves, ranging from thin to thick, smooth to furry. Echeverias come in a wide range of tones and hues. Due to their popularity, echeverias have undergone extensive hybridization.
The majority of echeverias are completely harmless to cats, dogs, and other pets. Echeverias that are well-known include:
This echeveria has a distinctive appearance due to its silky, hairy fuzz covering. Its blooms, a flurry of vivid red and yellow flowers, are whence it gets its common name. These are not frost-hardy and are native to Mexico.
Mexico is the native home of Echeveria Elegans. These lovely echeverias have succulent, bluish-green foliage. As the plant ages, the tips of the leaves develop a pinkish hue.
Beautiful, brilliant pink flowers are produced by them. By creating offsets, these echeverias may easily reproduce.
These little shrubby, beautiful plants feature hairy green leaves with silvery white fluff and crimson ends. Bell-shaped red, yellow, and orange blossoms with a velvety texture.
The majority of common Echeveria species are easy to grow succulents. These plants, which are native to Mexico, must be protected from cold temperatures because they are not frost-resistant.
The Canary Islands are home to the majority of aeonium species; others can be found in Madeira, Morocco, and East Africa. Aeoniums are most famous for their eye-catching rosettes of waxy, thick leaves that sprout from a single stem. Aeoniums are available in a wide range of kinds, hues, forms, and sizes.
Aeoniums are generally safe for cats, dogs, and other pets. Several of the preferred types include:
These aeoniums feature lovely yellow, green, and red color schemes. The plant’s leaves have more yellow in the center and more green in the centre, with red margins along the edges. During the growth season, these aeoniums can multiply quickly and easily create offsets. Around April, they start to develop vivid yellow flowers.
The stunning dark purple, almost black leaves of Aeonium arboreum ‘Zwartkop’ (Black Rose, Black Tree Aeoniums) distinguishes them from other aeonium species. Aeonium arboreum ‘Zwartkop’ contains stunning rosettes that resemble flowers and are made of waxy leaves, like all aeoniums. A stem can go as long as 3 feet (91 cm). Although they are monocarpic plants that die after flowering, they readily produce offsets before flowering.
These aeoniums, which are native to Tenerife in the Canary Islands, have quite huge rosettes. Although the leaves are primarily green, exposure to direct sunlight can cause the edges to turn reddish red. They are monocarpic and perish after flowering like the majority of aeoniums.
These peculiar-looking plants, which are native to Southern Mexico, are very well-liked and are typically utilized in hanging baskets. They have abundantly long, dangling stems that can reach lengths of three feet and are perennial evergreens. They feature rounded, blue-green leaves that are plump and tightly packed.
a lovely perennial with thick, meaty, triangular leaves that grow in attractive rosettes that is indigenous to Mexico. As they develop and mature, the stems hang or trail. They come in a variety of lovely pastel shades, from light blue to light purple. They become slightly transparent and rosy in direct sunlight. They become gray with pink undertones in intense heat and direct sunlight with little moisture.
The majority of haworthias are indigenous to southern Africa. Due to its capacity for growth in low light, haworthias are among the most widely used indoor succulents. They make excellent houseplants because they grow slowly and don’t become too big. They are safe around cats, dogs, and other animals. Several of the preferred types include:
They initially have the appearance of an aloe plant but are now recognized as Haworthiopsis Attenuata. Actually, they belong to the same subfamily. The plant’s distinctive characteristic is its pointy, green leaves, which have white warty spots on them. When fully grown, they easily generate pups and offspring. These plants prefer a lot of diffused light. Although not for very long, they can survive moderate shade and dim lighting.
Haworthia cymbiformis, a plant native to South Africa, grows in clusters of tightly packed rosettes with thick, juicy, boat-shaped green leaves (“cymbiformis actually means boat-shaped). The leaves feature stripes that resemble glass that give them a distinctive appearance.
Haworthia truncata, a plant native to South Africa’s Western Cape, has unusual-looking leaves that appear to be truncated from the top. The nearly square or rectangular-shaped leaves have white spots on the top and are green in hue.
Large succulent plant species belong to the genus Sempervivums (Hens and Chicks). Sempervivums are particularly well-liked and have given rise to numerous hybrids. They are well-liked outdoor plants since they can withstand heat, drought, and cold. Their name, “Hens and Chicks,” is derived from the clusters of tiny baby chicks that sprout around the mother plant as they reproduce.
The rosettes’ clusters may stay tiny or expand to a maximum width of 8 inches (20 cm). Hens and chicks are simple to raise and are available in a wide range of hues, sizes, and textures.
Schlumbergera is a member of a tiny cacti genus. They are native to the Brazilian tropical rainforests and require some humidity. They cannot stand extreme heat or cold. The look and behaviour of Schlumbergera species are distinctive from those of other cacti.
They grow on trees in moist, humid environments as epiphytes or as lithophytes on rocky terrain. Schlumbergera stems develop joints that might be flat, shaped like leaves, or shaped like bottles. All seasons see green growth on the stems.
The Christmas and Thanksgiving Cactus are among the most popular types and have grown in popularity as indoor plants due to their stunning, eye-catching blossoms. They are frequently cultivated in pots and make excellent indoor houseplants. This tropical cactus needs cover from the strong afternoon sun because it does not thrive in direct sunlight. They thrive in some shade. They have a very long lifespan and can get pretty big.
Ponytail palm trees, despite their name and outward appearance, are actually succulents from the Agave family, not palm trees. This plant’s bulbous trunk, which is used to hold water, and its thin, long, hair-like leaves, which sprout from the top of the trunk like a ponytail and give it the appearance of a ponytailed palm tree, are its most distinctive features.
These plants are low maintenance and don’t need much water. They can withstand low light levels because they are tolerant plants. They are good indoor houseplants because they typically require strong light but can also survive medium to low light for up to half the year. These plants are safe to keep indoors with your pets.
Due to their odd characteristics and distinctive shapes, lithops, sometimes known as living stones, are particularly well-liked succulents. They have no stem and are composed of large, paired leaves. These plants are slow-growing, which makes them perfect for containers.
Older plants develop into distinctive-looking clumps of “pebbles or stones.” Lithops can endure low temperatures for a brief period of time as well as extreme heat and direct, strong light. Both cats and dogs cannot be harmed by them.
The flower Gasteria develops has the shape of a stomach, hence the genus name.
The Latin word for stomach is gastro. They have curving, stomach-shaped blooms and long, thick, grooved leaves. The majority of gasteria species require protection from direct sunlight and prefer bright but indirect light. They are safe with your cats, dogs, and other pets and even thrive indoors.
Round, flattened joints on the pads of Opuntia (Prickly Pear Cactus) distinguish it from other cacti species. The fleshy pads develop in columns or segments. These plants have been grown for a very long time in Mexico as a source of food for their edible fruits and also as organic sweeteners.
Just be careful of their sharp spines because they are safe for both people and animals. They have a rapid rate of growth and spread. They can be cultivated in containers to assist manage growth.
These are a few of the succulents that are the most popular or prevalent and are acceptable to keep around cats, dogs, and other animals. There are plenty others available. For additional information on plant toxicity to pets, visit the ASPCA website. Contact your neighborhood veterinarian or the poison control hotline as soon as you suspect poisoning.
Are you still worried about how well-behaved succulents are around your pets? Visit my article, “9 Succulents Toxic to Cats, Dogs, and Pets,” for a list of poisonous succulents.