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Lithops karasmontana

Common name: Karas Mountains living stone · Living stone

Lithops karasmontana is a dwarf stemless succulent in the ice-plant family (Aizoaceae), native to the Karas Region of southern Namibia, the driest part of the country. Each plant is a pair of fused, pebble-like leaves with pale grey-white, intricately patterned windowed tops that let light into the buried body while camouflaging it against the surrounding quartz gravel. In late summer or autumn a single white, daisy-like flower emerges from the fissure between the leaves. It is grown by succulent collectors for its uncanny stone-mimicking form and its place among the classic 'living stones'.

Fun facts

  • The epithet karasmontana refers to the Great Karas Mountains, the driest part of Namibia, where it grows among pale quartz stones it closely resembles.
  • The translucent windowed top channels sunlight down to photosynthetic tissue buried safely below the soil surface.
  • Each year the old leaf pair shrivels away as a fresh pair grows through the fissure, drawing all its moisture from the old leaves - so watering during the split can kill the plant.
  • It is one of the most variable Lithops species, with subspecies such as bella and mickbergensis prized for their contrasting top patterns.

Care summary

Sun Full sun to bright light; needs several hours of direct sun indoors
Water Water sparingly only during active growth; keep dry in summer dormancy and while splitting
Soil Mineral-rich, very gritty, sharply drained mix with little organic matter
Hardiness Zones 10–11
Mature height 3–5 cm (1–2 in)
Pet safe Listed by the ASPCA as non-toxic to cats and dogs
Difficulty Fussy
Propagation Usually from seed; clumps can be divided when repotting

Make your own Karas Mountains living stone · Living stone profile

Common problems

    • Water only when soil is bone dry
    • Stop watering while new leaves emerge
    • Withhold water in peak summer heat
    • Resume watering only in autumn
    • Move to brighter direct light
    • Rotate the pot for even growth
    • Supplement with a grow light
    • Acclimate gradually to avoid sunburn
    • Inspect roots when repotting plants
    • Dab pests with isopropyl alcohol