Common Name Living Stone, Flowering Stone, Stone Face
Origin Originates in South Africa
Description The Living Stones just might be the weirdest-looking plant you'll ever see. True to their name, they look more like pebbles than living plants, but this incredible succulent is really alive and kicking! It achieves its unique appearance by growing two wide, fleshy leaves which are rounded or flattened on top, creating its stony appearance. In the wild, they grow on stony ground, blending in with normal, non-living rocks, in arid conditions where their thick leaves help retain water. In ideal conditions, the Lithops will flower, with the bloom growing between the two leaves and adding to this incredible plant's unique appearance.
Light Needs plenty of light; choose a sunny windowsill that gets a couple of hours of morning or evening sun year-round
Water Allow the soil to totally dry out between waters
Humidity Humidity is not important for the Lithops; a hose down every so often will help keep it free of dust and pests. Soil Make sure the soil drains well as Lithops roots really don't like sitting wet. Use a Cactus and succulent mix, and add extra grit for drainage if possible. Repot every 3-4 years in spring as the plant grows.
Food Feed every two months in the growing season, and reduce to every three in autumn and winter. Temperature Ideal temperature is 5-32°C.
Pet-safe Yes, but too much nibbling won't be good for pets, small humans or the plant!
Sprouts Top Tips Once your Lithops is three years old, it may start to flower. Most likely to flower at the end of summer or in autumn, you can give it the best chance by ensuring it gets a couple of hours of morning or evening sun each day.
We have launched our first (hopefully monthly) ‘Letter from the Founder’ blog post. I talk about a string of bad luck, from water gushing from various ceilings in my life to a break-in, and also reflect on the incredible work we have done to win two awards earlier this year. I look ahead to what’s coming up in August, projects we are working on with our clients, and some thoughts about the rest of the year. And I give an insight into my brain, why I am who I am and why I’m so thankful for all the opportunities, passion and excitement that running Sprouts has given me as a founder and as a woman.