Lithops: Care for the Living Stone Succulents
Houseplants

Lithops: Care for the Living Stone Succulents

Lithops karasmontana

Lithops or Living Stones care: tiny South African succulents that mimic pebbles. Full sun, almost no water, autumn flowering.

Characteristics

Scientific nameLithops karasmontana
Height2-5 cm
Sunlightpieno sole
Waterbassa
Soilminerale drenante
Toxicitynon tossica
Growthlenta
Temperature10-30 °C
FloweringSep, Oct, Nov
IrrigationWater very rarely from spring to early autumn, never in winter: Lithops hate water.

Lithops, known as Living Stones, are tiny South African succulents that perfectly mimic the pebbles of their desert habitat. They grow in full sun on ultra-draining mineral substrate, with very infrequent watering. In autumn they produce delicate white or yellow daisy-like flowers.

Flowering season

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec

Practical tips

Watering

Water needs: bassa — always check soil moisture before watering.

Position

Prefers pieno sole: provide the right light and rotate the plant for even growth.

Substrate

Recommended soil: minerale drenante. Refresh the substrate every 1-2 years.

Leaves

Dust the leaves with a damp cloth to support photosynthesis.

Feeding

Feed during the growing season (spring-summer) and stop in winter.

FAQ

When should I water Lithops?
Only from late spring to early autumn, once every 3-4 weeks. NEVER water in winter: Lithops are dormant and water causes them to rot.
Why are my Lithops shrivelling?
In spring/summer they need water; in winter it's the normal renewal: new leaves emerge from the old ones which shrivel naturally.

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