Lithops 101: Caring for Living Stones During Summer Dormancy

Lithops, often called living stones, are small succulents from southern Africa that have evolved to look like pebbles. Each plant is a pair of thick, fused leaves with a slit in the middle. They are fascinating, slow and surprisingly easy — as long as you understand their unusual yearly rhythm. Summer is where most new owners go wrong.

Understanding the lithops calendar

In the Northern Hemisphere, most lithops follow this pattern:

• Late winter–spring: a new pair of leaves grows inside the old pair, absorbing its water and nutrients. Little or no watering.
• Summer: semi-dormant during the hottest months. Very little water.
• Late summer–fall: the main growing season; flowers appear from the central slit. Regular watering.
• Winter: rest. Keep dry.

Summer care

When temperatures climb above about 85°F (29°C), lithops slow down. Their roots take up little water and wet soil can cause rot within days. During this period:

• Water only lightly, about once a month, and only if the plant looks noticeably wrinkled. A light splash around the edge of the pot is enough.
• Give bright light, but protect from intense afternoon sun on very hot days, especially behind glass.
• Maximize airflow. Stagnant hot air is more dangerous than heat alone.

Soil and pots

Lithops need a very gritty mix: at least 70% mineral material such as pumice, coarse sand or crushed lava, with only a little organic soil. Pots should drain freely. Deep pots are good because lithops have long taproots.

Common mistakes

• Watering on a fixed schedule. Watch the plant, not the calendar.
• Watering while old leaves are still being absorbed. This causes the plant to “stack” new leaves on old ones and look unhealthy.
• Too little light. Lithops stretch and become tall and pale. They should stay low and firm.

When to worry

Slight wrinkling in summer is normal. A soft, translucent or mushy plant is not — that is rot from overwatering. Remove it from wet soil immediately and let the roots dry.

Patience is the secret with living stones. Leave them alone in summer, and they will reward you with daisy-like flowers in autumn. Explore our succulents for more easy-care plants.