January 26, 2026, 3:10 pm | Read time: 2 minutes
They look like pretty river stones, but are actually plants. We are talking about Lithops, which are also known as “living stones” due to their unusual appearance—and the risk of confusion.
Living stones belong to the genus of succulents. They consist of fleshy leaves arranged in pairs, which either grow individually or form hemispheres in groups.
How Should You Care for Living Stones?
The Best Location
Lithops originally come from South Africa. They therefore like to be warm and sunny. From April to October in particular, the succulents tolerate plenty of sun and warmth. From November to March, the plants go into hibernation. Then they can tolerate lower temperatures and less light. After winter dormancy, it is important to slowly acclimatize the Lithops to sunlight again—otherwise the leaves run the risk of burning.
Incidentally, it is assumed that the African climate was the reason why the plants took on the appearance of stones. On the one hand, the living stones were able to minimize evaporation due to their small surface area, and on the other, the appearance protects them from predators.
Watering Correctly
In summer, living stones need sufficient water on a regular basis. But be careful: they do not tolerate waterlogging at all. It is therefore advisable to use pots with drainage holes so that excess water can drain away. Ideally, the pots should have drainage holes.
Note: After Lithops have been planted—or repotted—they should not be watered for at least a week.
Fertilize Correctly
It is best to place the plants in a well-drained substrate. In the summer months, the living stones can be fertilized weekly. Fertilizers containing nitrogen, such as special cactus fertilizer, are suitable for this.
Caution: Make sure you use the correct dosage! If Lithops grow too much, they can burst.
Do Living Stones Bloom?
Yes, there is a fissure on the surface of the Lithops from which yellow or white flowers grow. However, the flowering period does not last long: The succulents only bloom from September to November. During the remaining months, new pairs of leaves grow from the cleft instead.
Note: Living stones usually only start flowering at midday. This is why they are also called midday flowering plants.