Before seeking a purchase, it is crucial to understand the unique nature of Lithops. These are highly specialized succulent plants native to the arid, rocky deserts of southern Africa. Their entire evolutionary strategy is based on mimicry and water conservation. The plant body consists of two fused, succulent leaves with a fissure between them. They are masters of dormancy; their growth cycle involves a period of active growth followed by a complete shutdown where they rely entirely on the moisture stored in their leaves. This means their watering needs are counterintuitive—they require water only during specific seasons and absolutely none when they are splitting or dormant. Purchasing from a source that understands this cycle is paramount to acquiring a healthy specimen.
When evaluating a Lithops plant, either online or in person, several botanical indicators signal its health. First, the plant should be firm and turgid to the touch, not squishy or mushy, which indicates rot from overwatering. It should not be wrinkled or desiccated like a raisin, a sign of severe underwatering or root loss. The plant's base should be clean and free of any brown, soft spots. Crucially, the plant should be sitting mostly above the soil line; a deep pot or one buried too deeply encourages moisture retention around the body, leading to fatal rot. Avoid plants with obvious signs of pest infestation, such as mealybugs (which appear as small white cottony masses) or spider mites.
The best sources are specialized nurseries that prioritize plant health and proper cultivation practices over mass production.
Specialized Succulent Nurseries (Online): These are often the most reliable sources. Nurseries like Mesa Garden (New Mexico) and Steve Hammer's Sphaeroid Institute (California) are run by experts who grow plants from seed with meticulous care. Their inventories may include a vast array of species and cultivars. Other excellent online retailers include Leaf & Clay and Succulents Box, which often source healthy Lithops and ship them bare-root, which is ideal for preventing transport-related rot.
Local Plant Shops and Nurseries: A well-regarded local succulent specialty shop is often a fantastic place to find healthy Lithops. The advantage here is the ability to physically inspect the plant for the health indicators mentioned above before purchasing. Staff at these shops are typically more knowledgeable about proper care than those at large big-box stores.
Cactus and Succulent Society Shows/Sales: These events are premier destinations for plant enthusiasts. Local chapters of the Cactus and Succulent Society of America (CSSA) host shows where expert growers sell their plants. This is an unparalleled opportunity to find exceptionally healthy, mature specimens and speak directly with the cultivators about their specific care.
While large chain home improvement stores (e.g., Home Depot, Lowe's) or general garden centers sometimes carry Lithops, they must be evaluated with extreme caution. These plants are often part of decorative "arrangements" planted in inappropriate, moisture-retentive soil and pots without drainage. They are frequently overwatered by store staff on a generic watering schedule that is fatal for dormant Lithops. If you purchase from these sources, be prepared to immediately unpot the plant, inspect its roots for rot, and replant it into a proper, gritty soil mix.
