This is a “Grower's Choice” plant, which means our Plant Team will choose one Lithops species that's available. Plants may differ in color and appearance from the plant pictured.  

Scientific Name: Lithops spp.

Common Name(s): Living stones, stone plants, pebble plants or mimicry plants, due to their resemblance to stones, which helps them avoid being eaten by herbivores.

Defining Characteristics:

• Each plant consists of only 2 thick succulent leaves that are almost entirely fused together, tapering down to a single, carrot-like taproot
• A clear, deep fissure or slit exists at the top between the two leaves. New leaves and flowers emerge exclusively from this central slit.
• The upper surfaces have translucent "windows" that allow sunlight to reach the chlorophyll scattered on the interior leaf margins, allowing the plant to photosynthesize while mostly buried.
• Their coloring and patterns (speckles, lines, dots) match the surrounding quartz grit and stone surfaces (gray, brown, pink, green) to hide from predators.

Recommended Pot Size: Small, use a 4-5 inch deep pot to accommodate their long taproots.

Josh’s Frogs offers a wide variety of supplies for all of your indoor gardening needs.

Temperature Requirement (°F): ideal temperature range is between 65–80°F, but can withstand up to 90–100°F

Humidity: 40-50%

Watering Frequency: Only water when the plants are wrinkled on top and soft, typically in spring and fall, using the "soak and dry" method. Do not water during winter (splitting stage) or peak summer heat to prevent rot.

Lighting: Full Sun

Soil Type: 80–90% inorganic (pumice, lava rock, coarse sand) and 10–20% organic (cactus mix, coco coir). The mix must prevent moisture retention to avoid root rot.

Growth Rate: Slow

Height at Maturity: Individual bodies are generally around 1–1.5 inches wide, though some, like Lithops aucampiae, can reach up to 2 inches across. They grow nearly flush with the ground, maintaining a low profile for camouflage and heat protection.

Origin: They originate primarily from South Africa, Namibia, and Botswana

Regional Locality: They thrive in arid, rocky environments, largely disappearing from view by growing almost entirely underground.

USDA Hardiness Zone: 10a to 11b

Suggested Vivarium/ Animal Terrarium Use:

Care Notes: Only water when the plants are wrinkled on top and soft, typically in spring and fall, using the "soak and dry" method. Do not water during winter (splitting stage) or peak summer heat to prevent rot.

Lithops are toxic to both humans and pets, if consumed, as all parts of the plant contain calcium oxalate crystals. We deem this plant safe for use with the above animals, but the more risk-averse may wish to avoid it. For more information please visit the ASPCA list of Toxic and Non-Toxic Plants.

Shipping Notes: Generous LIVE ARRIVAL GUARANTEE offered.

As good practice, Josh's Frogs recommends washing all plants thoroughly, removing as much soil as possible with dechlorinated water before placing them in their final home. Live plants may vary in color, size, and appearance.

These plants ship bare root, wrapped in paper towel within a 4 oz. deli cup.