Lithops "Living Stones" Care Sheet

Lithops - “Living Stones” 

Light: Lithops do well if they receive approximately 4-5 hours of direct (or slightly filtered) sunlight during the early part of the day, and partial shade during the afternoon. A Southern or Eastern facing window is ideal. 

Water: Lithops should be left totally dry throughout the winter and spring season. During this period the plant will generate a new body (or pair of bodies). The new body will consume the moisture and nutrients of the previous body as it completes its growth. Throughout the winter and spring keep the plants cool but avoid freezing. Watering can commence once the remains of the old plant body are shriveled and drying, usually late spring or early summer.The remains of the old bodies and any flower stems can be carefully removed when they have become thoroughly dry. When watering soak the soil fully but do not let the pot sit in excess water. Wait until completely dry to water again. When well watered, the lithops will feel plump and firm. When they need water they will feel softer and even wrinkled.

Environment: Desert conditions. Bring indoors when temperatures start to dip below 50 degrees at night, or grow indoors year round. 

Toxicity: Reported to be non-toxic  for cats and dogs or zombies

Of Note:

• If lithops do not receive enough direct sunlight they will begin to grow slender and elongated, leaning towards the light. They may also lose coloration on the sides of the plants and turn greenish. 
• The majority of lithops produce their flowers during autumn and early winter. They are daisy-like and yellow or white depending on variety.

*When planting in a pot without a drainage hole, avoid over watering by estimating 25% of the container’s overall volume, with appropriate drainage materials incorporated when planting.