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.
Fertilize Use a low nitrogen, high potassium kind of 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. Lift the plant, make a clean incision through the roots, and then quickly replant it. University of Wisconsin-Madison student Susan Mahr
Can Lithops endure in the absence of sunlight?
Some succulents that can tolerate shadow won’t require direct sunlight, but again, the majority will need a bright location near a window.
In good light inside, succulents from the genera Aloe, Ceropegia, Gasateraloe, Gasteria, or Haworthia are quite likely to survive. Others exist as well, including Senecio Rowleyanus, numerous cactus species, and even Lithops, although they require a very light area and strong airflow to survive and look well.
Are Lithops plants for indoor or outdoor use?
Have you ever been perusing a garden center’s succulent section when you came across a planter that contained nothing more than a pair of flat-topped rocks? If so, you might have come across the strange African succulent genus known as lithops.
Living stone plants, also known as split rocks or pebble plants, are very drought-resistant and quite common in low-water gardening in arid climates. They can be grown both inside and outside, however those who grow them outside need to be cautious not to overwater them.
Don’t look for a lithop—always look for lithops because the word is both singular and plural. However, adding this living stone plant to your succulent garden is simple, enjoyable, and absolutely unique!
Are Lithops challenging to maintain?
As long as you remember what kind of environment the plant is native to and duplicate those growing conditions, taking care of lithops is simple.
When developing living stones, exercise extreme caution to avoid overwatering. During their dormant season, which lasts from fall to spring, these little succulent plants don’t require any watering.
When you start watering again in the spring, apply a diluted cactus fertilizer if you want to promote flowering.
There aren’t many pest issues with lithops plants, although they can get scale, moisture gnats, and various fungi. For prompt treatment, keep an eye out for any signs of discolouration and regularly inspect your plant.
Do stones in motion require sunlight?
There are only a few additional crucial duties involved in taking care of these tiny houseplants, besides being aware of their watering requirements.
- They should be planted in sand-based potting soil with great drainage. The best soil for lithops is a cactus mix with extra perlite or pumice added. The plant will rot if the soil is very wet. Water in excess might be fatal.
- The old leaves shrink and dry once the new ones appear. If you choose, you can use a pair of needle-nose pruners to cut them off the plant or remove them in another way. If not, they will gradually disappear on their own.
- Lithops need a lot of light; the ideal amount is 5 or 6 hours of direct sunlight every day. Ideal windows face south. Every few days, rotate the pot a quarter turn to maintain even growth.
- Since lithops plants should be kept dry and dormant during the summer heat, if you have a collection of them outside during the summer, place them in a sunny area beneath the eaves of the house or under another cover to protect them from exposure to rainwater. Only when the leaves pucker in the summertime does water lithophy occur. Even then, only use a little water (1 or 2 tablespoons).
- Lithops don’t require fertilization because they are used to live in “lean” soils with low nutrients.
Living stones (Lithops spp.)
Knowing a plant’s origins is crucial for assessing its compatibility for your space and planning the care it will require. Native to desert areas, these plants need a lot of sunlight and loose, quickly draining soil. Strong sunlight and copious humidity will require some shelter for plants from the jungle bottom.
Native to the desert, lithops are succulent plants with a single pair of largely joined leaves. The thick, unbranched body strongly resembles a divided stone in terms of both shape and color. It has a longer taproot and is joined to a short stem that is buried in the growth media. The divide across the top of the plant, which they may develop a flower from in the late summer or fall.
The excellent drainage and strong sun that are typical of a desert setting are necessary for all 300+ kinds of living stone plants. They rest after flowering before growing a fresh set of leaves to replace the previous ones. The way they water is really important.
Light:
Living stones prefer constant, abundant sunshine. Many succulent gardeners fall short of providing their plants with the necessary amount of light. You must put this plant in a window where it will get at least six hours of sunlight every day. Your plant will lose its lovely form if it isn’t exposed to long-term, direct light. Even during its winter hibernation, a living stone plant should continue to receive bright light.
Artificial lights should be considered, either alone or in combination with natural light, if the sunlight coming through your sunniest window is insufficient. Good results can be obtained by placing a white fluorescent light 6 to 12 inches above the plant. Artificial light must be provided for at least 14 to 16 hours each day and cannot be as strong as daylight.
Water and Humidity:
The most common reason for lithops failure is an excessive amount of water. Only dribbles of water are used to keep things moist in the spring and summer. Water deeply but occasionally to keep just turgid until a bud emerges. After flowering and when new leaves are emerging, do not water at all to avoid disrupting the process.
Normal indoor humidity is fine, but keep these plants aside from any leafy ones that are getting extra misting. Good airflow is essential.
Re-potting:
A deep pot is necessary for the lengthy tap root of living stones. They don’t require new soil or pots until they start to outgrow their space, which happens every four years on average. But it’s crucial to have the right soil, which should drain quickly. The ideal type of soil is a loose, freely draining mixture found in native desert habitats. The ideal ratio is usually equal parts sand and potting soil. Commercial cactus mixtures are acceptable, but stay away from ones that include food. It’s best to add a layer of pebbles to the pot’s bottom for drainage and top to keep the leaves from coming into touch with the moist soil. You need a draining hole in the bottom of your pot.