Living stones Lithops olivacea

Water

The "Living Stones" should be watered sparingly and infrequently. During spring and autumn, water them every two to three weeks with about 1/4 ounce per plant, allowing the soil to dry out completely between waterings. In summer, reduce watering to once a month or less, and during winter, refrain from watering entirely to mimic their natural dormant period.

Light

Living Stones thrive in bright, direct sunlight. They should be placed in a location where they can receive several hours of direct sunlight each day, such as a south-facing window, to ensure they get the light intensity they need to develop their unique stone-like appearance.

Temperature

Living Stones prefer a warm environment and can tolerate temperatures between 65°F and 90°F, but they should not be exposed to temperatures below 50°F. The ideal temperature range for their growth is around 70°F to 85°F during the active growing season.

Pruning

Pruning is generally not necessary for Living Stones since they consist of just one or two leaf pairs. However, you can remove dead or shriveled leaves carefully by hand, typically after the new leaf pair has developed and the old pair has dried up, which usually occurs once a year.

Cleaning

As needed

Soil

The best soil mix for Living Stones (Lithops olivacea) is a well-draining mixture composed of half sand or fine gravel and half succulent or cactus mix. This blend ensures quick drainage, which is crucial for their health. The soil pH should be neutral to slightly acidic, around 6.0 to 7.2.

Repotting

Living Stones (Lithops olivacea) do not need frequent repotting and can typically remain in the same pot for several years. They should be repotted once every 3-4 years or when it is evident that the current pot no longer accommodates their size.

Humidity & Misting

Living Stones (Lithops olivacea) thrive best in low humidity conditions similar to their natural habitat. The ideal humidity level for this plant is between 40-50%.

Suitable locations

• Indoor

  Place Living Stones in bright light indoors; water sparingly.

• Outdoor

  Ensure full sun exposure and protect from excessive rain outdoors.

• Hardiness zone

  10-11 USDA

Life cycle

Lithops olivacea, commonly known as living stones, starts its life cycle as a seed, typically germinating after rainfall in its native desert environment. Upon germination, it develops two succulent leaves which are adapted to store water and endure the harsh climate. Over time, the plant will shed its old leaves and produce new ones, a process that can make it look like a new plant is emerging from the fissure between the old leaves. After a few years of growth, when conditions are favourable, usually in the fall, it will bloom with small daisy-like flowers, signaling its maturity and readiness for reproduction. Once pollinated, the flowers produce fruits containing seeds that are dispersed by wind or water. This slow-growing plant can live for years, repeating its flowering and seed-production cycle while blending seamlessly with surrounding rocks to avoid predation.

Propogation

• Propogation time

  Spring to Summer

• Propogation: Lithops olivacea, commonly known as living stones, can be propagated most effectively from seeds. The best time to sow seeds is in the late summer or early fall, which allows them to germinate in temperatures that mimic their native environment. To propagate living stones, first, prepare a well-draining soil mix and place it in a shallow tray or container. Scatter the tiny seeds over the soil surface and lightly cover them with a fine layer of sand or the same soil mix. The container should then be covered with glass or plastic to maintain humidity and placed in a warm, bright location without direct sunlight. Watering should be done sparingly, using a fine mist to avoid disturbing the seeds - just enough to keep the soil slightly moist. Seedlings may appear in a few weeks or take longer, and they should be kept covered until they are large enough to handle the lower humidity of the outside environment.