Lithops are drought tolerant perennial plants that store water in their fleshy, rock-like leaves. This means they can go months without water and thrive in dry climates.

They’re light lovers, so a south-facing window is ideal for them. They should receive at least 5 hours of direct sunlight daily, though a bit of shade in the afternoon is also beneficial.

Watering

Lithops, also called split rocks or living stones, are succulents that thrive in dry environments. They are native to the deserts of South Africa and Namibia, and they’re used to surviving on little water.

They grow best in a well-lit environment, especially one with a southern facing window. It’s important to water them enough to moisten the soil, but not so much that the potting mix gets too soggy and rots.

During the growing season, you should only water lithops when the old leaves are dry and new growth is forming. The plant uses the old leaves as a reservoir for water and nutrients.

When the new growth reaches a certain size, it starts to break through the outer leaves. Once that happens, the old leaves shrivel up and die.

This is a cycle that repeats every year, with new leaves bursting through the old. If you water too soon after the new leaves are formed, the old ones may not shrivel properly.

Light

When growing lithops indoors, it is vital that they receive adequate light. These succulents have adapted to harsh conditions in the wild, so they need at least 4-5 hours of direct sunlight each day.

It is a good idea to place your lithops plant in a location that receives ample light, such as a south or west facing window. Alternatively, you can use an artificial light source, alone or in combination with natural light.

If you notice your lithops leaves losing their color, it is a sign that they are receiving too little light. They will soon return to their original color if you provide them with the proper amount of sunlight.

Another sign that your lithops are not getting enough water is the wrinkling of their fleshy leaves. These are like water storage bladders, so when they start to wrinkle it is a sign that they need a drink of liquid.

Temperature

If you’re growing lithops indoors, you’ll need to keep them in an average temperature range of 65degF to 80degF (18degC – 26degC). However, any temperatures below freezing can kill these heat-loving succulents.

If they’re outdoors, they can tolerate temperatures below 55degF (12degC). In colder regions, you should bring your lithops inside during the winter.

Lithops thrive in average household temperatures if they get enough sunlight. They’ll need to receive four hours of direct sunlight daily to thrive.

They don’t need additional fertilization, but you can add a highly diluted cactus fertiliser in late summer to encourage blooming.

In their natural habitat, lithops plants grow in sandy deserts and rocky ground. They can thrive in a soil mix for cactus plants that contains one part of regular houseplant soil blended with two parts of coarse sand, crushed gravel, or perlite.

During their growth cycle, lithops require watering only two times a year. Watering in early fall and spring helps the succulent to flower and grow new leaves.

Pruning

Lithops have a natural growth pattern, which can be damaged by pruning. Pruning can also disrupt the natural balance of the plant and increase chances of pests attacking it.

When pruning lithops, make sure you do it gently and carefully. A sharp cut can damage the plant and open up a wound that will allow diseases to flourish.

Lithops thrive in sandy potting medium, with plenty of pumice or coarse sand. This ensures a healthy plant with plenty of air and water for good root development.

Overwatering is one of the biggest problems that can harm your lithops. This can cause them to split open and may even kill them if left unchecked.

Lithops are fairly easy to care for, but it is important to follow the proper watering routine so that you don’t overwater them. Using a moisture meter will help you keep track of how much water your plants need and ensure that they don’t overwater.