How to Grow Lithops
Lithops spp.
Lithops are fascinating miniature succulents that look like small pebbles. They need very bright light, extremely infrequent watering, and excellent drainage. The most important rule is to stop watering entirely from late autumn through winter while new leaf pairs emerge and absorb the old ones. Water sparingly in summer only when the tops wrinkle slightly. They flower in autumn with daisy-like blooms emerging from the fissure between leaves.
Yearly Lifecycle
Care Essentials
Feed once in late spring with a very dilute cactus fertiliser at quarter strength. Do not feed at any other time. Overfeeding causes soft, unnatural growth that invites rot.
Watch For
- Overwatering causing rot and splitting
- Mealybugs hiding between leaf pairs
- Fungus gnats in overly moist soil
- Etiolation from insufficient light
Pet Safety
Care Requirements
Light
Maximum direct sunlight
Needs at least 5-6 hours of direct sun daily. Insufficient light causes etiolation and soft, unnatural growth. A south-facing windowsill is ideal.
Watering
Extremely infrequent, dry in winter
Water sparingly in summer only when the tops wrinkle slightly. Stop watering entirely from late autumn through winter while new leaves absorb the old pair. Overwatering is the most common cause of death.
Fertilizing
Once in late spring, quarter strength
Feed once in late spring with a very dilute cactus fertiliser at quarter strength. Do not feed at any other time. Overfeeding causes rot.
