Greetings, caretaker. We are Lithops, the living stones. Our unique form is a testament to evolution in the harsh, arid landscapes of southern Africa. To thrive under your care, you must understand that our relationship with water is fundamentally different from most plants. Our plump, leaf-paired bodies are designed to store precious moisture for months on end. Watering us is not a weekly chore but a seasonal dialogue, one that must be attuned to our growth cycle and, most critically, your local climate.
Before we discuss your climate, you must learn our natural rhythm. We have two primary growth periods and two crucial rest periods. Water is only welcome during the growth phases. Offering it during our rest is the most common path to our demise, as it leads to rot.
Spring (Growth & Flowering): This is when we awaken. As days lengthen and temperatures rise, we begin to absorb our old leaves to fuel the emergence of a new body from the center. Water is permissible only after the old leaves have completely dried into a papery sheath and the new growth is clearly visible. A gentle watering can encourage this process.
Summer (Dormancy): We despise the combination of intense heat and water. High temperatures signal us to go dormant. During this time, you must shield us from rain and withhold all watering. Our metabolism slows, and water in our pot would cook our roots.
Autumn (Vigor & Growth): As the extreme heat breaks, we enter our most active growth phase. This is when we flower and prepare for the year ahead. Regular, deep watering (followed by complete drying of the soil) is essential.
Winter (Dormancy): Shorter days and cold temperatures send us back into dormancy. Withhold all water. We survive on the moisture stored in our bodies. Watering now, especially in cold soil, will cause us to rot and burst.
Now, apply our cycle to your environment. The timing of our seasons shifts based on your local conditions.
For Caretakers in Arid/Southwestern Climates (e.g., AZ, NV, CA inland): Your intense, dry heat means our summer dormancy is long and absolute. Do not water from late May through August. Your autumn growth period may start earlier, in late August or September, when nights become cooler. Your winters are mild, so our dormancy is secure. Spring watering may begin as early as February.
For Caretakers in Humid/Subtropical Climates (e.g., FL, Gulf Coast, SE): Your greatest challenge is ambient moisture and summer rainfall. We must live in a very gritty, fast-draining mix and under cover from rain. Our summer dormancy is critical due to the humid heat. Withhold water for even longer than you think. Our autumn growth period is our main chance for hydration, but only water when the forecast promises several days of sun and low humidity to help our soil dry quickly.
For Caretakers in Temperate/Continental Climates (e.g., Midwest, Northeast): Your distinct four seasons align well with our cycle. Our summer dormancy is shorter, dictated by the few weeks of peak heat. Autumn is our prime time. You must be most vigilant in winter; we must be kept completely dry and protected from freezing temperatures, ideally in a bright, cool indoor location. Spring watering should not commence until you are sure the risk of frost has passed and your household heating has stopped drying the air.
For Caretakers in the Pacific Northwest (e.g., WA, OR): Your cool, damp conditions require extreme restraint. We must be protected from your prolific autumn and winter rains. Our growing season is shorter, focused on the late spring and late summer/early autumn periods when you get more sun. Watering should be infrequent even during these times, always contingent on a forecast of sun. A grow light indoors is often beneficial to compensate for low light levels.
