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Lithops

Common name: Living stones · Pebble plants · Flowering stones · Split rocks

Lithops is a genus of about 37 species of stemless succulent plants in the ice-plant family (Aizoaceae), native to the arid regions of southern Africa. Each plant consists of a pair of thick, fused leaves whose flattened, windowed tops mimic the pebbles among which they grow, a camouflage that has earned them the name living stones. In late summer or autumn a daisy-like white or yellow flower, often larger than the plant itself, emerges from the fissure between the leaves. They are prized by succulent collectors for their uncanny stone mimicry, compact size, and window-leaf patterns, though their strict dry winter rest makes them unforgiving of overwatering.

Care summary

Sun Full sun to bright light; 4-5 hours of direct sun, ideally morning light
Water Water sparingly only in the growing season; keep completely dry in winter rest and during splitting
Soil Gritty, mineral-rich, sharply drained mix; very low humus, mostly sand and pumice or gravel
Hardiness Zones 10a–11b
Mature height 1–5 cm (0.5–2 in)
Pet safe Non-toxic to cats, dogs, and horses (ASPCA)
Propagation Usually from seed; clumps can be divided during repotting

Fun facts

  • Their stone mimicry is so effective that wild plants are notoriously hard to spot even when you know they are there.
  • Each plant replaces its leaf pair annually: the new pair grows between the old leaves and absorbs them until they dry to a papery husk.
  • The name Lithops comes from the Greek lithos (stone) and ops (face) — literally stone-face.
  • The daisy-like flower is often wider than the plant itself and is self-sterile, so seed production requires two genetically distinct plants.

Common problems

    • Stop watering until soil is bone dry
    • Use gritty, fast-draining soil
    • Skip water during leaf renewal and summer dormancy
    • Cut away rotted tissue and let it dry
    • Withhold water in peak summer heat
    • Resume watering only in autumn
    • Give several hours of direct sun
    • Move to the brightest window available
    • Inspect roots when repotting plants
    • Dab pests with isopropyl alcohol