Lithops, or better known in the Netherlands as living stones, are small plants in the shape of stones. There are more than 200 varieties in all kinds of colors and shapes. The care of the living stones that originally come from Africa is actually very simple, but due to the human instinct to take care of a plant, the living plant is also difficult to care for. You have to leave the plant alone for a large part of the year.
Growing seasons of Lithops
In order to take good care of the living stone, it is important to know that the plant grows very clearly in steps and that the plant needs different care in each season. Normally, the seasons correspond to the seasons in nature, but because the plants are grown indoors, it may be that your plant is not completely aligned with nature. Normally in the summer the plant is at rest and nothing actually happens. The plant does not grow and does not change. At the end of the summer, a groove will form between the two stones and a flower will appear. Only plants older than three years have flowers. After flowering, a new pair of stones appears from the groove. In winter the plant is still growing and the old leaves begin to shrivel. This is a bit like molting. The old stones make room for the new leaves. In the spring the old stones will be completely shriveled and the new stones will grow a little bit. Then the plant goes back to rest and the whole process starts again.
Water the living stones
When watering it is important to pay attention to the seasons. Take a good look at what your plant looks like and what season your plant is in. The plant does not need water during the summer season. Watering during the rest period will cause rot, because the plant does not use the water. When the plant starts to flower or if new stones start to form, watering can be started again. If you are very sure that the plant is at the end of its dormancy period, a splash of water can give the living stones a good growth spurt. In nature, the growth of the lithops also starts after the first rain shower after the summer. In winter when the old stones start to shrivel, no water is needed. The new stones use the water from the old stones. When watering, both leaves get tangled and both the old and the new leaves will die and the plant can no longer be saved. When the old stones have completely shriveled up in the spring, watering can be started again. Do this until it starts to get warmer outside and it is time for summer rest. After watering, allow the soil to dry completely before watering again. Some lithops never get rain in nature and only live on fog. The living stones are therefore more likely to die from too much water than from too little water. So be careful with watering. When the new stones start to dry out, there is still enough time to save the plant with water. However, the plant cannot be saved with too much water.
Place for the lithops
The lithops like a place with a lot of light and the plants can even withstand full sun. It is important to let the plant get used to the sun after purchase. For example, start with two hours of full sun and expand this a little per day. The plants like a little air movement, but the living stones do not like draft. Use a jar with holes in the bottom so that no water remains in the jar. The pot should also be at least 5 inches deep for the roots to develop properly. Living stones cannot withstand the cold and are best in the living room or in another warm room.