Livingstones (Lithops)
Livingstones (Lithops)
Livingstones (Lithops)
Livingstones (Lithops)

Livingstones (Lithops)

$7.99
Title

Discover the ultimate master of disguise with Lithops, the extraordinary "Living Stones" of the succulent world. These botanical wonders have perfected the art of camouflage, evolving to look exactly like the smooth pebbles and weathered rocks of their native African deserts. Each plant consists of a single pair of plump, fused leaves with a curious central fissure, featuring a flat top adorned with intricate, brain-like patterns, translucent "windows," and earthy tones of slate grey, ochre, and soft rose. Truly a "living sculpture," they remain nearly flush with the soil until autumn, when they surprise you by erupting into brilliant, silk-textured daisy-like flowers that appear to bloom directly out of solid stone.
Size

Size Guide

Visit Us

Delivery

Warranty

Details & Plant Care

Difficulty:

Medium

Water:

Low-Water (Completely Dry)

Humidity:

20% – 40%

Pet Friendly:

Non-Toxic To Cats And Dogs

Light:

Full Sun

Plant Information

Common Names:

Living Stones, Pebble Plants, Flowering Stones, Split Rocks, Stone-Face, Cattle Hoof (Beeskloutjie)

Scientific Name:

Lithops spp.

Country Of Origin

Southern Africa (primarily South Africa and Namibia)

Growth Rate:

Extremely Slow

Soil Type:

Extremely gritty, mineral-heavy mix (at least 70–80% pumice, perlite, coarse sand, or fine gravel with minimal organic matter)

Fertilize:

Yearly

Remember to only fertilize during their active growing season.
Care Guide

Common Pests

Fungus Gnats

Fungus Gnats

What To Look For: Small flies hover around the soil surface when you water or disturb the plant. Larvae in soil feeding on root hairs and organic matter may lead to poor growth or young plants dying. Usually in overly moist potting soil or with poor drainage.

How To Treat: Allow the soil surface to dry a bit between watering; reduce over-watering. Use yellow sticky traps to catch adult gnats. Consider repotting into a fresh, well-draining mix and removing excess topsoil debris; you can also use a layer of sand or diatomaceous earth on the soil surface.

Scale Insects

Scale Insects

What To Look For: Small oval or round bumps on stems or leaves; they may look like part of the plant. Sticky residue/honeydew, sooty mold. Yellowing leaves, leaf drop, and decline in plant vigour.

How To Treat: Physically scrape or wipe off scale insects when you see them; use your fingernail or a soft brush. Use horticultural/plant-safe oils or insecticidal soap when the crawler stage is active. Re-inspect regularly because scale eggs and crawlers can hide under shells.

Mealybugs

Mealybugs

What To Look For: White, cottony or waxy masses on stems, leaf axils, underside of leaves. Sticky honeydew, sooty mold growth, yellowing or dropping leaves.

How To Treat: Use a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol to dab and remove visible bugs. Wash leaves and stems with gentle soapy water. In heavy infestations, consider removing very affected stems/leaves or, in the worst case, replacing the plant.

Spider Mites

Spider Mites

What To Look For: Very fine webbing under leaves or between stems and leaves (especially in dry indoor air). Leaves may appear stippled (tiny yellow or white dots) or dusty; they may turn yellow, brown or drop. When you tap a leaf onto white paper, you might see tiny moving specks. (Often too small to see easily)

How To Treat: Increase humidity around the plant (since mites thrive in dry air). Spray plant thoroughly (both sides of leaves) with insecticidal soap or a miticide/plant-safe oil; repeat every few days. In heavy infestations, consider removing severely affected sections; isolate the plant.