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 Lithops, General Care
General care & feeding of Lithops plants, 'Living Stones'
Lithops, General Care
These Succulent little plants hail from the Desert regions of South Africa.
They are accustomed to the harsh environment of desert living. They do like water, but cannot tolerate moisture for extended periods. Soak soil well, then allow to dry completely before watering again. A good rule to follow is to never water when it's raining and cloudy. Water only when it's going to be sunny for a few days. This allows the plant to soak up what moisture it needs and for the soil to dry out again. Use no larger than a 2.25" pot for individual plants as this will allow soil to dry adequately.
Soil should be a loose, sandy ,well draining mix. I use a commercial growing mix that has peat, perlite, dolomite and some pine bark. I then add about 25% sharp sand. This will dry rapidly, especially in a clay pot. When I water, I'm careful to see that the soil does moisten thoroughly. Sometimes the soil gets so dry that the water runs straight through and doesn't moisten the roots. Soaking from the bottom of pot is best method.
Fertilize sparingly. You can use something like Miracle Grow or Peters water soluble fertilizer, even cow manure. The trick is to use a mild solution.
Use at 50% strength of what is recommended for houseplants.
Osmocote, is very good. It is a slow release, pelletized, long term fertilizer that you can either mix into the soil or use as a top dressing.
Once established, Lithops like near full sunlight ( is best to protect from mid-day summer sun ) or bright artificial light. If you use fluorescent lights, they need to be within 4"- 6" of the plant tops.
Bare root plants.
These plants need a chance to grow new roots before they are soaked or exposed to strong sunlight.
Plant the plants into the mix, spreading roots, and water lightly or sit pot in shallow tray of water. Don't soak long enough for upper level of soil to become wet. This will encourage the newly planted Lithops to "reach" for the moisture in the lower level. Place in bright, but filtered, light or under a grow light until fully rooted. Fertilize only after fully rooted. Watering from the bottom is preferred method.
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