Aizoaceae
Living Stone
Lithops spp.
Patience, camouflage, and hidden inner beauty.
- Family
- Aizoaceae
- Genus
- Lithops
- Native to
- southern Africa, Namibia, South Africa
- Bloom season
- Fall, Winter
- Type
- succulent perennial
- Height
- 2–5 cm
- Sunlight
- full sun
- Soil
- very well-drained, gritty, sandy
- Water
- very low; minimal in dormancy
- Hardiness
- 10–12
- Lifespan
- perennial; 40–50 years
Did you know
- The plant body mimics surrounding pebbles so perfectly that it was first discovered by a botanist who sat on one.
- Each pair of fused leaves has a translucent 'window' on top that channels light to photosynthetic cells inside.
- A new pair of leaves grows from inside the old pair each year, consuming the old leaves for moisture.
- There are over 35 species and 145 named varieties, each mimicking the specific stones in its habitat.
- The daisy-like flower emerges from the crack between the two leaves and is often larger than the plant itself.
Color meanings
White
purity hidden in plain sight
Yellow
hidden joy and surprise