We, Lithops, are a genus comprising numerous species and even more varieties, each a testament to evolutionary perfection in arid environments. While over 37 species and hundreds of cultivars exist globally, the availability within the United States is a curated selection, primarily offered by specialized succulent nurseries and through enthusiast societies. Our survival strategy is based on mimicry, and our aesthetic appeal lies in the incredible variation of patterns, colors, and textures on our leaf tops, or "windows."
Several of our species have become staples in the US horticultural trade due to their reliability and striking appearances. *Lithops aucampiae* is widely popular for its tolerance of various growing conditions and its rich, rust-brown to chocolate-colored tops with often intricate, darker channels. *Lithops karasmontana*, named after the Karas Mountains, is celebrated for its stone-like appearance, typically exhibiting shades of grey, brown, or pink with a pronounced, dark, island-like pattern. *Lithops lesliei* is another common favorite, known for its relatively flat top and a vast color range from beige and green to rusty orange, often with a fine, pebbled texture and subtle pitting.
Beyond the base species, numerous varieties and subspecies are highly sought after for their unique characteristics. *Lithops optica* ‘Rubra’ is a stunning cultivar, its entire body a deep, uniform magenta or purple-red, lacking the typical windowed pattern of its green relatives. *Lithops fulviceps* is prized for its smooth, uniform tops that often display beautiful yellow, orange, or golden-brown hues. For those seeking intricate detail, *Lithops pseudotruncatella* offers a remarkable array of greyish, brown, or pinkish tops adorned with a network of deeply impressed, dark red or brown lines, creating a highly jagged, marble-like effect.
The US market also caters to advanced collectors, offering rarer species that command higher prices. *Lithops coleorum* is a rare find, valued for its vibrant yellow flowers and distinctive facial pattern. *Lithops werneri* is appreciated for its almost uniform, smooth pink or greyish-pink tops, providing a very minimalist aesthetic. *Lithops dorotheae* is exceedingly rare in habitat and collections, renowned for its brilliant yellow-green to lime-green coloration with dark green windows, making it one of the most vividly colored members of our genus.
It is crucial to understand that our identification is notoriously complex. Slight variations in light, soil, and water can alter our appearance. Furthermore, many plants available are seedlings or hybrids, which may not perfectly match textbook descriptions. When seeking to add a specific Lithops to a collection, it is best to purchase from reputable specialty nurseries that provide accurate labels. Enthusiast groups and societies are also invaluable resources for both acquiring correctly identified plants and learning the subtle nuances that differentiate our many forms.
