Lithops are those adorable little succulents that haves leaves that look like stones. They don’t require much care, and will even flower for you! See how to make a Lithops garden & how to care for Lithops.

Text reads how to make a lithops garden. Image shows a pot with a plant and rocks

Lithops

Lithops, also known as “living stones”, is a genus of succulents native to South Africa. They are slow growing, have leaves that look like stones, and will even flower. They come in a variety of colors and patterns and looks great potted up alone or together.

a hand holding a lithops plant

care

Keep in mind that Lithops are native to South Africa. As much as possible we want to mimic their home environment. Sun, higher temps, and low water levels.

A photo of a lithops plants in a pot

light

Close to 6 hours of bright sun. South facing widow is best.

water

You will typically only water from late summer through fall, and only when the soil is completely dry. Get to know your plant. If it starts to wrinkle, it’s probably time to water.

lithops plants out of the pot with roots

tempature

These plants do best in homes over 65 degrees Fahrenheit and below 90 degrees Fahrenheit. Colder temps can bring issues like rot.

potting mix

Lithops need well draining potting mix. If you mix your own, you can do a combination of pumice, horticulture sand, and perlite, with a pinch of indoor potting mix. If you want to simply buy a mix, look for a coarse succulent blend.

A photo of a lithops plants in a pot

Flowering

Typically after 3-4 years of age, Lithops will flower. Flowers emerge from the middle crevice in late fall to early winter. After the plant blooms, the old leaves will start to die, and the new leaves will pop up through the middle.

A photo of a lithops plant flowering a yellow flower.
A photo of a lithops plant flowering a yellow flower.

how to make a lithops garden

We made this cute little potted rock garden using Lithops, top dressing rock, decorative stomes, and succulent potting mix.

WATCH THE VIDEO

I hope you enjoyed this fun little project! If you liked this potted garden, you may also like this open terrarium project.

Text reads how to care for lithops. Image shows a variety of lithops in a garden.

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