To create a stunning home for us, you must first understand what we are. We are Lithops, a genus of succulent plants native to the arid, sun-scorched landscapes of southern Africa. Our common name, "Living Stones," is no exaggeration; our entire evolutionary purpose has been to mimic the pebbles and rocks amongst which we grow to avoid being eaten by thirsty herbivores. Our bodies consist of two fused, swollen leaves that form a single, low-profile structure. This pair of leaves is our water reservoir, allowing us to survive months without rainfall. Our growth cycle is also unique: we absorb moisture and nutrients through a single, long taproot, and we photosynthesize through translucent "windows" on our leaf tops, not through traditional leaf surfaces.
The single most critical factor for our survival and beauty in an arrangement is the soil medium. In our natural habitat, we grow in gritty, mineral-based soils that drain instantly. A standard potting mix is a death sentence for us, as it retains far too much moisture and will lead to our roots and bodies rotting. Our ideal substrate is an inorganic, sharply-draining mix. A perfect recipe would be a combination of 80-90% mineral grit, such as coarse sand, pumice, perlite, or small aquarium gravel, mixed with only 10-20% potting soil or coconut coir. The pot you choose must have a large drainage hole. A shallow, wide pot (often called a "bonsai" or "azalea" pot) is preferable to a deep one, as it mimics our natural shallow growth and prevents a large volume of wet soil from sitting beneath our sensitive taproot.
When designing the arrangement, think like a landscape artist recreating a tiny slice of our desert home. Group us together in odd numbers (3, 5, 7) for a more natural, visually appealing look. Leave a little space between each plant to account for future growth and to ensure air circulation, which helps keep our bodies dry and healthy. Do not bury us deeply; our bodies should sit fully above the soil line, just as they would in nature. To enhance the stone-like illusion, you can top-dress the soil with a layer of decorative gravel, crushed granite, or small pebbles. This not only looks stunning but also helps keep the base of our leaves dry and improves drainage.
Our watering needs are not like other plants and change dramatically with our seasons. From late spring to summer, we are largely dormant. During this time, you should withhold water almost entirely. In the autumn, we begin our growth cycle, often producing a beautiful daisy-like flower from the fissure between our leaves. This is when you can begin careful, sparse watering (only when the soil is completely dry). Our most critical period is winter, when we are preparing to shed our old leaves and grow a new pair from within. Do not water at all during this time, as the old leaves must dry out and shrivel to nourish the new body. In terms of light, we crave intense, direct sunlight for several hours a day. A south-facing window is ideal. Without enough light, we will etiolate—stretch unnaturally—losing our compact, stone-like form and becoming weak.
