About
A succulent perennial forming a clump of pairs of thick, rounded, pale grey-brown leaves with near flat tops, with variable reddish brown markings along the fissure. White, daisy-like flowers are usually produced in late summer and autumn.
About the genus
Lithops are nearly stemless, succulent perennials forming bodies composed of a pair of very fleshy leaves, the flattish tips bearing translucent dots or patches; daisy-like flowers emerge from the fissure between the leaves
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun
Soil typeLoam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureWell-drained
AspectSouth-facing, West-facing, East-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH2
Plant details
Plant typeCactus Succulent, Houseplants
HabitClump forming
FoliageEvergreen
HeightUp to 10 cm
Spread0-0.1 metre
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesHouseplants, Patio and container plants
Care notes
CultivationGrow in equal parts coarse sand and sifted topsoil, in a bright position with shelter from hot midday sun. May be grown outdoors in areas where temperatures do not drop below 5°C. From early summer to late autumn, water well, allowing the soil to dry out in between; apply a half-strength liquid feed monthly. Keep dry over winter. See houseplant cacti and succulent cultivation for further information
PruningNo pruning required
PropagationPropagate by seed, sown in spring in a well-drained, ideally sterilised potting mix, at 18-22°C and kept moist. Plants can take up to three years to flower from seed. Some plants may produce offsets which can be removed for propagation
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to aphids and mealybugs when flowering
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free, though may suffer from rot if over-watered