Lithops is a genus of succulent plants that are part of the Aizoaceae family. Lithops are native to South Africa.
The words “lithos” and “ops” mean stone faces in Greek, deriving from their pebble-like appearance.
Lithops are also known as:
- Pebble plants
- Living stones
To survive, the plant avoids being eaten by looking like a stone or a pebble. Instead, they blend in with surrounding rocks and stones and come in round pairs of leaves.
The leaves are succulent, typically colored in dark or beige colors like the stones around them. The bulbous leaves store water to endure drought.
When in bloom, they usually bloom in spring or summer, producing bright yellow flowers that mimic the appearance of daisies.
Quick Facts On Lithops
- Family: Aizoaceae
- Light: Full direct sunlight
- Temperature: 40° to 80° degrees Fahrenheit
- Water: Water every two weeks in the summer
- Fertilizer: None
- Propagation: Seeds
- Common Problems: Root rot, brown spots
Lithops Care
What Does The Pebble Plants Look Like And How Big Does It Grow?
Lithops are slow-growing succulents that rarely grow 1″ inches above their soil.
They usually grow one with one pair of leaves that look like stones with a fissure separating them.
They have epidermal windows with small holes in the top of the succulent leaves.
As they grow, more pairs of succulent leaves will appear. Lithops leaves are usually brown, yellow, green, gray, or pale orange.
When Do Pebble Plants Flower? Are The Flowers Fragrant?
Pebble plants can produce large, bright yellow flowers between August and September in the right conditions.
The flowers do not produce any scent and are not guaranteed to appear. The plant usually can only bloom when cared for correctly.
If your lithops receives too much water and not enough light during the winter, they will not bloom in the following season.
What Are The Lighting Needs And Temperature Requirements?
Lithops need bright sunlight throughout the year. They must be planted or placed in a sunny spot, and if inside, they should be in the west or south-facing window and receive sunlight throughout the day.
When it comes to temperature, they can handle high temperatures up to 100° degrees Fahrenheit.
However, they cannot handle anything below 40° degrees Fahrenheit.
It is important to bring your lithops inside and place them on a south-facing window sill during these temperatures.
How And When To Water And Fertilize Pebble Plants?
The lithops store water in their leaves and can maintain it for months.
It is essential to understand your plants’ watering needs as the lithops can be sensitive to watering.
During the summer and the growing season, you should only water your lithops every two weeks while it is growing.
In the winter, it is important not to water your lithops. During this stage, new leaves will form inside the old ones.
So, when the old leaves die, new ones will emerge. If you water your lithops during this time, it will affect this process negatively.
After the plant is dormant and becomes active, you can water your lithops starting in May.
You do not have to fertilize your lithops as it will affect the plant’s shape.
What Is The Best Soil For Lithops Succulent And When Should You Transplant Them?
The lithops require drainage, so it is important to use a soil mixture, mostly gravel and sand, with standard gardening soil. The ratio should be about 3 to 1.
The top of the soil should have a layer of sand that keeps moisture from touching the leaves.
When it comes to transplanting, you will only have to transplant your living stone plant every 4 to 5 years. Make sure to transplant your living stone plant with fresh soil.
Do Lithops Succulent Need Special Grooming Or Maintenance?
Lithops do not require any grooming, since they are self-sufficient.
How To Propagate The Living Stone?
To propagate your living stone succulent, you will take the seeds and plant them.
To get the seeds to germinate, follow these steps:
- Fill a small pot with sandy soil and add the seeds to it.
- Cover the soil with paper with plastic on top to protect the seeds from direct sunlight.
- Keep the small pot in a bright area around 70° to 80° degrees Fahrenheit.
- Once they sprout, you can remove the paper and occasionally the plastic.
- Once the small lithops are about ¼ inch, you can transplant them to new pots.
- Make sure the soil stays moist.
It is important to propagate during the lithops normal growing season starting in May.
Living Stone Succulent Pests And Diseases
Living stone succulents normally avoid pest problems, but root rot and shade can normally lead to the plant’s demise.
To avoid root rot, ensure only water the soil and not the plant, and do not water the plant in the winter.
Avoid overwatering by only watering the plant in the summer every 2 weeks.
Suggested Pebble Plant Uses
The pebble plant is normally used as a decorative plant that is put together in succulent gardens.
They also grow well in small dishes and terrariums.
Pebble plants do well as centerpieces in homes or rock or cactus gardens outside.