Finding the Perfect Living Stones Plants for Your Collection

Living stones, also known as lithops are fascinating succulent plants that make a unique addition to any plant collector’s assortment. Their cryptic camouflage helps them blend into their native habitats in southern Africa. If you’re looking to add these living pebbles to your home here’s everything you need to know about finding the right lithops plants for sale.

Lithops, commonly known as living stones or pebble plants, are a genus of succulent plants in the Aizoaceae family. There are over 40 species of lithops, all native to southern Africa.

These succulents have adapted a peculiar survival mechanism – their leaves are fused together to form a shape that resembles a stone This helps camouflage them against predators in their native habitat

The slit between their leaves also facilitates a “window” for the lithops to photosynthesize and flower while the main body remains buried in the soil. Their ability to thrive in harsh conditions makes lithops perfect for xeriscaping and rock gardens.

Key Features of Lithops Plants

Here are some of the defining features of lithops that enable their survival:

• Camouflage – The pebble-like shape helps lithops blend into their surroundings. Some species also have markings that mimic natural textures.

• Leaf pairing – The leaves are fused into pairs that function like a single leaf. This reduces surface area for water loss.

• Window formation – The slit between leaf pairs allows light and heat to enter the plant’s buried body.

• Low water needs – Their succulent leaves have adapted to store moisture for long periods.

• Heat tolerance – A waxy coating on the leaves helps reflect sunlight and minimizes evaporation.

• Drought resistance – They can withstand prolonged periods of drought by going dormant.

• Cold tolerance – Lithops can survive light frost but cannot tolerate freezing temperatures.

When and Where to Buy Lithops

The best time to purchase new lithops is during late summer and autumn. This gives them time to establish their root systems before going dormant for the winter. You can find living stones at:

• Local nurseries and garden centers
• Online stores specializing in succulents
• Farmers’ markets and plant swaps
• Directly from lithops collectors

Reputable online shops like Planet Desert, The Succulent Source, and Renny’s Plants offer a wide selection of lithops species and varieties suitable for beginners and experts alike.

Factors to Consider When Buying Lithops

Here are some tips for picking healthy lithops plants:

• Look for firm, plump leaves with no discoloration or wrinkles
• Avoid plants with shriveled or squishy leaves
• Select lithops with visible roots at the base
• Check for signs of new growth like leaf splits
• Look out for flower buds emerging from the leaves
• Consider buying established clumps for instant gratification
• Pick suitable species for your climate and growing conditions

Reputable sellers will provide detailed information on each plant like species, locality, and culture needs. This helps you select suitable lithops.

Popular Types of Lithops for Sale

Here are some of the commonly available lithops varieties for beginners:

• Lithops hookeri – Creamy-white body with rusty-red fine lines. Low growing.

• Lithops julii – Gray-green body with bold dark red markings. Produces yellow flowers.

• Lithops karasmontana – Light green body with intricate reddish-brown lines. Compact growth.

• Lithops lesliei – Smokey gray body that mimics natural pebbles. Cold tolerant.

• Lithops optica – Distinctive rubbery-green leaves. Best for bright, direct light.

• Lithops pseudotruncatella – Pale green body with subtle dots. Produces large yellow flowers.

How to Care for Lithops Plants

Caring for lithops isn’t complicated once you understand their growth habits:

• Provide bright filtered sunlight indoors or 4-6 hours of direct outdoor sun.

• Use a well-draining potting mix like 1:1 soil and perlite/pumice.

• Water minimally in summer, allowing the soil to dry out completely between waterings.

• Increase watering during autumn and spring growing periods.

• Avoid overwatering as it can lead to rotting.

• Apply diluted succulent fertilizer only during active growth.

• Repot only when severely rootbound and preferably in autumn.

• Protect from excess moisture and temperatures below 30°F.

With the right care, lithops can live for up to 50 years!

Tips for Planting Lithops

Follow these tips when potting new lithops plants:

• Start with a 2-4 inch deep pot with drainage holes. Terracotta pots help wick away moisture.

• Use a blade to divide clusters into individual plants or pairs without damaging roots.

• Nestle plants in dry, fast-draining soil without compacting it.

• Water sparingly right after repotting and allow it to dry before the next drink.

• Top dress with pebbles or gravel to mimic their natural habitat.

• Allow 1-2 inches between plants for airflow and room to grow.

• Avoid repotting frequently, only move them when severely root bound.

With the right soil and spacing, your lithops will quickly settle into their new home.

Achieving the “Living Stone” Look

There are a few tricks to help your lithops blend in like stones in a rock garden:

• Incorporate natural gravels and pebbles in the potting mix.

• Use textured containers like ceramic pots to enhance the stone-like effect.

• Allow some leaf tips to peek out above the soil surface.

• Arrange clusters close together with barely any space in between.

• Intersperse lithops with small rocks and gravel as top dressing.

• Place pots on their natural habitat like rock gardens or gravel trays.

Let your imagination run wild when designing a gorgeous living stone garden with lithops!

Enjoy Your New Lithops Plants!

Adding lithops living stones to your plant collection can be immensely fulfilling. Just be sure to buy healthy specimens from reputable sellers and care for them properly. With their uniquely adapted survival skills, lithops are the perfect low maintenance succulents to create delightful living stone gardens.