Lithops

Watering rhythm

Every 21–30 days

About this plant

These charming succulents hail from South Africa and are instantly recognizable by their unique appearance. Their two fused leaves resemble little stones, which is why they're affectionately called "living stones." They're naturally drought-tolerant, grow slowly, and reward you with delicate flowers in autumn and winter.

Placement & environment

Lithops thrive in a bright windowsill with plenty of light. They prefer temperatures between 15–25°C year-round. Keep humidity low and ensure good air circulation. During summer, filter out harsh direct sun with some light shade.

Seasonal watering rhythm

Light and temperature change a plant's metabolism, so the ideal cadence shifts with the seasons.

Spring
Every 18–25 days
Summer
Every 20–28 days
Autumn
Every 16–22 days
Winter
Every 35–50 days

Watering rhythm

The golden rule with Lithops is patience: wait for the soil to dry out completely between waterings. Water thoroughly until it drains from the bottom, then observe closely before watering again. When the leaves start to look slightly wrinkled, that's your cue to water. Overwatering is the quickest way to cause root rot, so resist the urge.

Common troubles

Quick lookup from symptom to likely cause and action.

Symptom	Likely cause	What to try
Leaves become soft and mushy	You're watering too frequently, or your soil doesn't drain well enough, causing roots to rot.	Stop watering immediately and increase airflow around the plant. If rot has advanced, carefully inspect the base and remove any blackened portions with a clean knife.
Leaves shrivel and look limp	The plant is using up its stored water because it's been too long without water.	Water thoroughly until it drains from the bottom. Recovery typically happens within a few days. Going forward, check the soil dryness regularly.
White powder appears on the leaf surface	Scale insects or mealybugs have infested your plant. They'll multiply if left unchecked.	Gently wipe the leaves with a soft cloth. For more serious infestations, consider using a horticultural spray. Regular inspections are your best prevention.
The stem base turns black and rots	High humidity combined with cold-weather watering creates conditions where bacteria thrive and rot develops.	Remove the affected area cleanly and repot in fresh soil. From now on, water sparingly in winter, and do it during warm daytime hours.
No flowers appear	Your plant may be young, or it hasn't had enough cold rest during winter to trigger flowering.	Expose your Lithops to cool temperatures around 10°C during autumn and winter—this chilling period signals the plant to bloom. Be patient as younger plants mature; flowering comes with time.