Lithop Living Stone

Lithops, commonly known as Living Stones, are small, stemless succulents that mimic the appearance of pebbles or stones, helping them blend seamlessly into their native desert surroundings. Native to southern Africa, these fascinating plants grow in pairs of thick, fleshy leaves split by a central fissure, from which flowers emerge in autumn. Lithops are a collector’s favorite due to their unique shapes, patterns, and near-miraculous drought tolerance.

Characteristics

• Botanical Name: Lithops spp.

• Common Name: Living Stones

• Plant Type: Succulent

• Growth Habit: Compact, ground-hugging rosettes

• Size: Typically 2–5 cm in diameter

• Leaves: Paired, fleshy leaves with intricate markings and stone-like appearance

• Flowers: Daisy-like, white or yellow, blooming from the center in late summer or autumn

• Toxicity: Non-toxic, safe around pets and children

Care Tips

• Light: Needs bright, indirect light or partial sun. Too little light causes stretching; too much can scorch.

• Water: Very drought-tolerant. Water only during active growth (usually autumn to early spring). Do not water when dormant or during leaf-shedding.

• Soil: Use a fast-draining cactus or succulent mix, ideally sandy or gritty.

• Temperature: Prefers warm temperatures; protect from frost.

• Fertiliser: Minimal feeding needed. If desired, use diluted cactus fertiliser in early spring.

• Repotting: Rarely needed. Lithops prefer being crowded in shallow containers.

• Growth Cycle Tip: After flowering, Lithops enter dormancy and begin to produce a new leaf pair from the center. Do not water during this transition period.

The first photo serves a display purpose only. This is an 80mm pot, Picture is representative of what you will receive, but may vary slightly because no two succulents are the same.  Plants will be shipped as bare root.

Please note — NT, TAS, WA customers: please contact us before placing your order due to additional quarantine charges associated with these locations.                    View Shipping options