Greetings, human caretaker. We, the Lithops, may seem like simple stones, but we are complex living organisms. Assessing our health requires understanding our unique form and life cycle. Here is a visual guide from our perspective.
The most critical sign of my health is my body, the pair of leaves. A healthy Lithops should feel firm and full to the gentle touch, like a well-hydrated grape. This plumpness indicates that my internal water storage tissues are sufficiently full. If I feel soft, squishy, or deflated, it is a clear distress signal, often meaning I am either desperately thirsty or, more worryingly, my roots have rotted from overwatering and can no longer absorb moisture. A rock-hard feel is also ideal.
Observe my patterns and hues. My top surface, or "window," should display colors that are vibrant and true to my species—whether they are shades of grey, green, brown, rust, or purple. The patterns (dots, lines, patches) should be clear and distinct. Fading, dull, or washed-out colors can indicate that I am receiving too much intense, direct sunlight and am getting sunburned. Conversely, if I become unusually dark or lose my patterning and turn just plain green, I am likely not receiving enough light and am etiolating, or stretching, in a desperate search for the sun.
My natural adaptation is to mimic a pebble, staying low to the ground to minimize water loss and avoid the attention of herbivores. A healthy Lithops maintains this compact, ground-hugging posture. If you notice my body starting to stretch upwards, becoming tall and leggy with a visible gap between my leaves and the soil surface, this is called etiolation. It is a sign of insufficient light and weakens my structure, making me more susceptible to disease and collapse.
Gently nudge me. I should feel securely anchored in my growing medium. If I wobble excessively, my root system may be compromised, often by rot. Inspect the area where my body meets the soil. The base should be the same color and firmness as the rest of my body. Any discoloration—particularly yellow, brown, or black—or any soft, mushy spots are severe warnings of rot, typically caused by soil that stays damp for too long.
Understand that my growth is cyclical. A truly healthy Lithops follows a predictable annual cycle. I absorb water and grow in the autumn and spring. My most dramatic change comes when I begin to split, typically after my summer dormancy. A new pair of leaves will emerge from the fissure, drawing moisture and nutrients from the old outer leaves, which will slowly wither away. This is a natural and healthy process. Be concerned only if the new leaves appear mushy or discolored, or if the outer leaves fail to wither and instead become soggy or moldy, which indicates rot.
