MEET LITHOPS
In the plant genus Lithops, there are over 40 known species. They are essentially succulents and are related to ice plants. They are commonly called living stones or more lovingly called alien butt plants, well because they look like butts!
This is by far one of my most favorite plants because they have evolved into this perfect niche plant that has helped them survive for millennia. They are native to arid South Africa and disguise themselves amongst rocks and pebbles to avoid hungry and thirsty herbivores.
LIGHTING NEEDS
They love light and just like other succulents they need as much as you can give them. Think of their native habitat - South Africa. So put them in a window that gets a ton of light or on a porch that won't leave them drenched in water.
WATERING NEEDS
With any succulent - water sparingly. It is suggested 1-2 teaspoons of water per plant about every 2-4 weeks depending on needs/conditions. You need to make sure the soil drains well and never gets water logged. That will murder your plant.
Preferably plant them in something that has a drainage hole or if not make sure to water them even less. You can always tell if they need water by seeing if their cheeks are plump or not.
Each leaf is one of their "cheeks" and when they grow new leaves their crack widens
and splits and new leaves emerge. During this time do not water them as the older leaves are giving the newer leaves everything they need. When the new leaves emerge the older leaves get crunchy and and at that time you can remove the older leaves if you wish.
FERTILIZER
After the lithops has grown its new leaves and the old ones have shriveled, you can apply a succulent fertilizer but only one time per year.
FUN FACTS
These plants can survive in the same pot for years and years if they have the right growing conditions.
They Flower!
Each plant can live up to 70 years!
The top of the plants are translucent, sending light to the buried parts of the plants.
Hope you enjoyed this!
- Toni
