How to grow Lithops
How to Grow Lithops — Your Guide to Living Stones
By Cori White, Spine City Cacti & Succulent Nursery
Lithops are one of the most enchanting and unusual succulents you'll ever grow. Often called “living stones,” these tiny plants from South Africa don’t just look like pebbles—they behave like no other succulent in your collection. They’re drought-tolerant, low-maintenance when understood, and boast one of the most fascinating growth cycles in the plant world.
If you’re new to Lithops or just want to sharpen your technique, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know to grow them successfully.
What Are Lithops?
Lithops are a genus of small, stone-like succulents that naturally camouflage themselves among rocks in arid regions of South Africa. They come in a stunning array of colors—from sandy earth tones to vibrant purples and even pinks.
Each plant consists of two fused leaves, forming what can only be described as a charming little “butt.” Every year, Lithops replace these leaves by pushing up a new pair from the center and completely absorbing the old ones.
The Growth Cycle: Timing Is Everything
Understanding the Lithops growth cycle is essential to getting watering and care just right.
- Autumn to Spring: Leaf change occurs. The old leaves are slowly absorbed by the new ones.
- Spring to Autumn: Active growth phase.
Important: During the leaf change, you may notice wrinkling or odd shapes. This is completely normal—you’re not aiming to keep them plump during this time.
How to Water Lithops (Without Killing Them)
This is the trickiest part—but once you understand it, everything clicks into place.
During Leaf Change (Autumn–Spring):
- Watering is minimal. Many growers stop watering altogether.
- We use a light misting technique, not traditional watering. The goal is to preserve the roots, not to hydrate the plant.
- Water should never reach the bottom of the pot.
- If your plant looks healthy and firm, you can skip misting altogether.
Key Tip: If old leaves don’t come off easily, leave them. Forcing them can damage the plant.
During Active Growth (Spring–Autumn):
- Resume regular watering, but never during extreme heat or cold.
- At the peak of growth season, we water once a week.
- Plants should appear full and juicy, but not bloated.
Light, Position & Substrate
- Sunlight: Lithops love sun. Full sun is ideal with protection from the hottest part of the day.
- Location: Outdoors only—never grow them indoors. A sunny patio or porch is perfect.
-
Substrate: Must be free-draining.
Lots of gravel and perlite.
The organic (potting mix) portion of the mix should make up no more than 30%
of total volume.
You don’t need a greenhouse, but if you have one, your Lithops won’t complain.
Fertilising Lithops (Spoiler: Less Is More)
- Use a general-purpose liquid / soluble fertiliser at 1/3 to 1/2 strength, applied in late spring and again in early early autumn.
- Over-fertilising leads to unnatural, bloated plants and even death.
Quick Tips for Happy Lithops
- When in doubt, don’t water. Thirsty Lithops recover. Rotted ones don’t.
- Lithops is both singular and plural—one plant is still a Lithops.
- Observe your plants. They’ll tell you everything if you learn to read their shape and feel.
Final Thoughts
Lithops may look like unassuming stones, but growing them is an incredibly rewarding journey. They ask you to slow down, observe, and sync with their rhythm. With the right substrate, the right light, and a light touch—literally—you’ll be rewarded with plump little gems that change and surprise you year after year.
🛒 Where to Get Them
You can shop Lithops on our webstore.
- Confirmed varieties
- Mixed selections for those who love surprises
Want to explore more? Head to the Grow with Spine City blog or browse the FAQ.
🙏 Thanks for Reading
Hope you’ve enjoyed this peek into these incredible plants.
We’ll share more stories soon.
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Best wishes and happy gardening,
— Cori White
Spine City Cacti & Succulent Nursery