Lithops Care: 2 Species for Beginners

A round-up of 2 Lithops varieties worth growing, with the key care difference between them.

These all belong to Lithops. They share a love of full, direct sun for most of the day.

The Species

  • Living Stones (Lithops aucampiae) -- Water only when the old pair shrivels; overwatering is fatal.
  • Living Stones (Lithops lesliei) -- A single new pair appears in autumn and replaces the old -- never water the old and new at once.

Shared Care

  • Light: full, direct sun for most of the day.
  • Water: let the soil dry fully between drinks.
  • Soil: a gritty, free-draining mix and a pot with a drainage hole.
  • Propagate: mostly with fresh seed sown on the surface or splitting the clump at repotting.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Which is easiest to start with?

A:

The one whose look you like most -- they are all beginner-friendly.

Q: Can they share a pot?

A:

Yes, if they share the same light and water needs, which these do.

Q: Why are the leaves losing colour?

A:

Usually too little light; move them somewhere brighter.

Collecting a genus is a fun way to learn one plant family deeply. Pair your favourites with the light calculator to place them well.