Sun: full sun to partial shade
Water: Below average watering needs for a succulent
Temperature: Zone 10a from 30° F to 35° F (-1.1 ° C to 1.7° C)
Winter Survival: Not cold hardy
Propagation: seeds
Flower: in the late Summer or Fall
Flower Type:
Toxic: Generally non-toxic to humans and animals
Dormant: winter
Space Requirement: Indoors & Outdoors
Common Problems: Plants may rot if overwatered, pests
Where to buy Lithops?
Basc Care for Lithops
Watering
You can water your succulent more than often in extreme conditions but make sure that the soil is completely dry before watering your succulent again.
Can you water your succulent more than what its need? The answer is yes and no. In extreme conditions, you can water your plants more often when you notice the soil is completely dry.
Fertilizing
Only feed this succulent during its active growing seasons which means spring and fall. Use the right fertilizer applied in the right amounts. Applying half-strength balanced fertilizer every month or so is recommended for optimal results.
Do not fertilize during winter as the plant is dormant.
Sun & Location Requirements for "Living Stones, Flowering Stones"
Lithops requires full sun to partial shade. It's best to keep it in an area of your garden or home that gets plenty of bright, indirect sunlight throughout the day. When temperatures are too hot and direct sunlight is too intense, try moving "Living Stones, Flowering Stones" to a shadier spot for part of the day.
As per this succulent profile, it is only able to stay healthy when the environment temperature is above the range of zone 10a from 30° F to 35° F (-1.1 ° C to 1.7° C).
When temperatures drop below freezing, it is important to take precautions to protect Lithops from the cold. Insulating and providing adequate drainage for the plant are key elements in helping it survive winter weather. Wind and sun exposure should also be minimized to prevent frost damage.
Any succulents in the group will need a medium space to grow. You can place your pot at your table or window. Since this plant needs more space than mini succulents, you should consider do not plant them together with other succulents/plants.
Propagation
Growing Lithops from seeds is an easy and economical way to produce more plants. Identify a healthy seed by its plumpness, dark color and slightly sticky texture. Once the potting mix has been pre-mixed with well-draining soil, sow the seeds evenly and press lightly into the surface. To ensure germination, keep the container in bright but indirect light and mist the soil gently with a spray bottle.
Toxicity
Lithops is generally non-toxic to humans and animals. However, the plant may contain certain toxins which can cause mild skin irritation if it is ingested or comes in contact with skin. Therefore, it is important to keep the plant away from children and pets for safety reasons.
Pests and Diseases
Lithops can be affected common pests and diseases like most of the other succulents such as Red spider mites.
If you do spot any of pest signs, you can treat your succulent using below methods.
- Red spider mites: Quarantine, clean your infected plants, treatment with a systemic insecticidal/soapy water.
Besides that, to prevent serious health issues from happening, keep your succulent in a well-ventilated area and check it regularly for any signs of pests or health problems.
