Lithops - Living Stones from Southern Africa

Lithops, commonly known as Living Stones, are among the most fascinating succulents in the plant world. Native to the arid regions of Southern Africa (Namibia, Botswana, and South Africa), these extraordinary plants have evolved to mimic stones and gravel, allowing them to survive extreme drought and intense sun in their natural habitat.

Each Lithops plant consists of a pair of thick, fleshy leaves that store water and emerge only slightly above the soil surface. In autumn, mature plants reward patience with surprisingly large, daisy-like flowers in shades of white or yellow - an unforgettable contrast to their stone-like appearance.

At TOMs FLOWer CLUB, our Lithops are slow-grown, organically cultivated, and never over-fertilised. We prioritise long-term health and authentic growth over rapid production, offering robust, well-established specimens suitable for collectors and design-conscious plant lovers alike.

Origin & Botanical Background

• Natural habitat: Semi-desert and desert regions of Southern Africa

• Growth strategy: Extreme water storage and camouflage

• Family: Aizoaceae

• Longevity: Decades with correct care

Lithops Care Guide (Indoor Cultivation)

Light

• Very bright location

• Direct sun is beneficial once acclimatised

Water

• Extremely sparing

• Water mainly during active growth (spring & autumn)

• Keep completely dry during summer rest and winter

• Never water while old leaves are being replaced

Substrate

• Highly mineral, fast-draining substrate

• Ideal: cactus or lithops-specific mix

• No organic, water-retentive soil

Temperature

• Warm and dry preferred

• Not frost hardy

• Ideal for bright windowsills and indoor collections

Growth habit

• Very slow-growing

• Repotting only every few years

Why Choose Lithops from TOMs FLOWer CLUB?

• Organically grown, quality before quantity

• Not forced, not over-fertilised

• Ideal for collectors, minimal interiors, and modern design concepts

• Shipped carefully from Switzerland

• Swiss-based expertise and personal cultivation standards

Lithops are not “difficult” plants - but they demand understanding. For those willing to respect their natural rhythm, they offer unmatched beauty, longevity, and botanical intrigue.