Have you ever seen those little succulents that look like real rocks? These are lithops. Available in a variety of colors and shapes, they are the ideal addition to any plant collection. Their white or yellow flowers are a real eye-catcher on the windowsill, in the office or in the garden. The fascinating living stones are relatively easy to care for and here you will learn the basic tips to help you care for and grow these special plants.
Lithops are native to the arid regions of southern Africa and have developed unique adaptations to survive in the harsh desert environment and avoid being grazed by animals. Each individual plant consists of two leaves that have grown together and form a column at the tip. These thick leaves can store so much water that the living stones can survive for months without water. During long dry periods they shrink and retreat underground. Lithops are becoming increasingly popular and commonly used as terrarium plants and if you are also wondering how to grow these slow-growing succulents, just read on.
What Soil Requirements Do Lithops Have?
The unique succulents thrive best in a well-drained soil mix. A cactus mix is perfect for this. Perlite, sand or pebbles can also be added to improve drainage. Choose a terracotta pot that is deep enough for the taproot and make sure it has drainage holes to avoid waterlogging, as lithops are susceptible to root rot.
Light and temperature requirements
Lithops require 4-5 hours of direct sunlight per day and are happy with partial shade during the remaining part of the day. Be careful, too much direct sunlight can burn the leaves, but if the plant doesn't get enough light, the leaves will lose their patterns and they will take on an elongated shape. ASouth facing windowor a location with filtered sunlight is ideal. Avoid a humid environment as the living stones are adapted to dry conditions.
This particular plant can tolerate temperatures up to 38°C, but it thrives best in daytime temperatures between 21°C and 27°C and prefers slightly cooler conditions at night. In winter it is particularly important to protect them from frost as they are not frost hardy and bring them indoors when temperatures outside drop below 4°C.
How often do you cast living stones?
In order for your Lithops to grow healthily, proper watering plays a very important role.
- During the active growth period from late spring to summer, water the plant sparingly and allow the soil to dry out between waterings.
- During the dormant period in late summer, watering should be reduced to mimic the plant's natural habitat. If it really shrivels, moisten the top inch of soil.
- Renew watering in late summer when the gap between the leaves begins to open and the plant grows and blooms again.
- Leave them completely without water during winter and spring to allow the old leaves to dry out and a new pair of leaves to develop.
- Water them again when the old leaves are completely dry.
- Be careful not to water Lithops during flowering.
Should you fertilize the unusual succulent?
The low-growing succulents generally do not need fertilizing, but you can provide them with a small amount of highly diluted cactus fertilizer during the growth phase in late spring. Make sure the fertilizer is low in nitrogen and high in potassium and do not apply it directly to the leaves of the plant to avoid burns.
When do Lithops bloom?
Living stones do not bloom until they are at least 3 years old. The white, yellow or orange flowers appear in autumn and give off a light scent. They open in the afternoon and close at night. After flowering, new leaves sprout from the crack.
Proliferate living stones
Lithops can be successfully propagated by sowing or dividing. However, sowing is much easier and seeds are available at most garden centers.
The seeds should be distributed on fresh cactus mix in the spring between March and April and pressed lightly. Then cover it with a thin layer of fine sand, place the pot in a warm, sunny place and keep the soil moist by avoiding waterlogging. The seeds should germinate within a few weeks. Once seedlings are 2-3 months old, reduce watering and allow the soil to dry out between waterings. You should repot the young plants after a year and in 3 to 4 years you can enjoy the first flowers.
If you decide to divide, you should use the separated parts like othersTreat succulent cuttings, by making sure they have well-developed root systems.
