skip to main content

Lithops Care

Lithops, also known as living stones, are extremely unique succulents that look like stones or colorful pebbles. While they do require a fairly involved care routine, these slow-growing plants make a quirky accent to any garden or indoor plant collection.

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 need a lot of sunlight to thrive. They need 6 hours or more of direct sunlight every day. Place the living stones in a south-facing window and they will be happy.

WATER

Let 100% of the soil volume dry before watering during the spring and summer. These plants thrive in a dry environment. In the fall and winter, these plants typically go dormant and need little to no water. Water only if the lithops have begun to shrivel up.

HUMIDITY

Lithops are typically happy in average household humidity. No need to mist or boost the humidity.

TEMPERATURE

Lithops do well in average household temperatures and can tolerate temperatures from 50-80°F.

FOOD

Lithops do not need much fertilization as they are native to lean soils that contain very few nutrients. Fertilize once per year in the spring with a very weak solution of general purpose houseplant fertilizer, diluted to 25% strength.

TOXICITY

Living stones are non-toxic and safe to have around children 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.

Grow Beyond Expectations

Shop Plants
Image of species

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

Plant Friends and Family