Lithops, also known as living stones, are fascinating succulents that are becoming increasingly popular among plant enthusiasts. These small, slow-growing plants mimic the appearance of stones, making them a unique and eye-catching addition to any home or garden. With their variety of colors and patterns, lithops can be an attractive and low-maintenance choice for both experienced and novice plant collectors.
One might wonder where to purchase these intriguing plants. Fortunately, there are several options available for those looking to add lithops to their plant collection. Whether you prefer shopping in person or online, it’s essential to find a reputable seller that offers healthy, high-quality specimens. Keep reading to discover some reliable sources for purchasing lithops and start your own living stones collection today.
A few online retailers are known for their lithops collections, such as Lowe’s, which offers Altman Plants 4-Pack Lithops in a 4-oz pot. Another option is The Succulent Source, where you can purchase living stones individually or in packs. For those specifically wanting a variety of species, Mountain Crest Gardens provides a selection of lithops with vibrant colors and patterns to choose from.
Understanding Lithops
Characteristics
Lithops, commonly known as living stones, are small, stemless succulent plants native to southern Africa. They have a unique appearance, often resembling scattered rocks or pebbles, which helps them blend in with their native environment. Their flattened leaves come in a variety of colors and patterns, depending on their habitat.
These fascinating plants are typically composed of two leaves joined at the base. As they grow, new leaves replace old ones, giving the appearance of splitting. Another distinctive feature of Lithops is their ability to produce a single, daisy-like flower, which emerges from between the leaves.
Growing Conditions
When it comes to growing Lithops, there are a few key considerations to ensure their success:
- Light: Lithops require plenty of bright, indirect sunlight to thrive. A south or west-facing window is ideal. Too much direct sunlight can cause their colors to fade or even burn the leaves.
- Water: These unique plants have a different watering schedule compared to most succulents. Avoid watering when they are splitting or producing a new set of leaves. Only water when the new leaves appear and old leaves have shriveled, which can be as infrequent as twice a year. Overwatering is the most common cause of Lithops failure, as it can lead to rot.
- Soil: Lithops thrive in well-draining soil as their native habitat consists of sand and rocks. A mixture of cactus soil and perlite or pumice is ideal.
- Temperature: Lithops can tolerate a range of temperatures but prefer a consistent environment. They are not frost-tolerant, so if you live in an area with cold winters, be sure to bring them indoors.
Following these guidelines will help ensure your Lithops plants grow and thrive as unique, fascinating additions to your succulent collection.
Where to Buy Lithops
Online Retailers
One of the most convenient ways to purchase lithops is through online retailers. There are numerous websites and platforms where you can find a variety of lithops species. Some popular choices include Mountain Crest Gardens, Lowe’s, and The Home Depot. These websites offer a wide selection of lithops, often with detailed care instructions and options for delivery.
- Mountain Crest Gardens offer a selection of lithops species along with comprehensive care guides for novice and expert growers alike.
- Lowe’s provides a 4-pack of lithops plants, typically handpicked based on availability, and includes lithops other than those pictured on their website.
- The Home Depot has a 4-pack of lithops plants as well, with free delivery available.
Local Nurseries
Local nurseries can be another excellent place to find lithops for sale. While not all nurseries carry these unique succulents, it’s worth checking with your local plant suppliers to see if they have any available. Keep in mind that availability might vary depending on factors such as seasonality and local demand. Visiting a local nursery also has the bonus of speaking with knowledgeable staff about lithops care.
Specialty Succulent Shops
For those who want to explore an even greater variety of lithops species or find more specialized information, specialty succulent shops can be a treasure trove. Websites like Lithops Living Stones Nursery and The Succulent Source specialize in these fascinating plants and may have more unique offerings.
- Lithops Living Stones Nursery gives the option of purchasing individual lithops or collections, providing one- to three-headed plants for various levels of collectors.
- The Succulent Source offers a selection of lithops mesembs and mimicry succulents, with an emphasis on unique appearances. Keep in mind their specific watering instructions, as lithops should not be watered when splitting with new growth in the middle.
In conclusion, shopping for lithops can be a fun and informative experience, whether you’re a beginner or an experienced succulent collector. There are various avenues to explore, including online retailers, local nurseries, and specialty succulent shops.
Caring for Your Lithops
Lithops, also known as living stones, are unique succulents that require specific care to thrive. By understanding their watering, lighting, and soil requirements, you can ensure your Lithops remain healthy and vibrant.
Watering Requirements
Lithops have minimal water requirements, as they naturally thrive in dry environments. It’s crucial to let 100% of the soil volume dry out before watering them during the spring and summer. Overwatering can lead to rot or other issues, so be cautious when providing moisture to your plants. Additionally, Lithops have a dormancy period during which they require even less water.
Some tips for watering Lithops include:
- Use a well-draining container to avoid standing water
- Water sparingly during their dormancy period
- Monitor soil moisture closely to prevent overwatering
Lighting Needs
Lithops need plenty of sunlight to thrive. Ideally, they should receive 6 hours or more of direct sunlight every day. A south-facing window is a perfect location for your living stones, as it provides them with the required amount of light. Insufficient lighting can hinder their growth and overall health, so ensuring proper light exposure is vital.
Soil and Potting
Similar to other succulents, Lithops prefer well-draining soil that allows air to circulate and excess water to escape. A mixture of coarse sand, perlite, or pumice with regular potting soil can create an ideal medium for these plants. Make sure to choose a pot with drainage holes to prevent water retention, which can be harmful to Lithops.
Here are some key points to consider when potting Lithops:
- Use a mixture of well-draining soil
- Select a container with drainage holes
- Repot only when necessary, as Lithops have a slow growth rate
By following these guidelines, you’ll be well on your way to providing the proper care for your Lithops plants, ensuring they remain healthy and thriving in your home or garden.
Frequently Asked Questions
Best stores for lithops?
There are several stores that specialize in succulents and carry a variety of lithops. One popular option is Mountain Crest Gardens, which offers a selection of living stones for purchase. Other options include visiting your local garden center or searching for reputable online retailers that stock these unique succulents.
Online sellers for lithops?
Apart from Mountain Crest Gardens, The Succulent Source is another well-known online seller that offers lithops and other interesting mesemb plants. When purchasing online, make sure to choose a reliable and reputable seller to ensure you receive high-quality, healthy plants.
Local nurseries with lithops?
The availability of lithops in local nurseries may vary depending on your location. To find a nursery near you that carries lithops, try doing a quick search online or call your local garden centers to inquire about their selection. If they don’t currently have any in stock, they may be able to direct you to other nearby stores that do.
Bulk purchase of lithops?
Bulk purchasing of lithops may be possible through some online sellers or wholesale suppliers. You can also try contacting local nurseries and garden centers to inquire about bulk purchase options. It’s essential to ensure that the provider has experience with lithops and can offer guidance on proper care for a large quantity of plants.
Affordable lithops options?
To find affordable lithops options, consider browsing through multiple online retailers and compare their prices. Sometimes, you may find discounted prices for lithops that are less popular or have less eye-catching colors. Another option is to keep an eye out for local sales or promotions at garden centers and nurseries.
Colorful lithops varieties?
Lithops come in a range of shapes, sizes, and colors. Some colorful lithops varieties include Lithops aucampiae, which features a blend of brown and beige shades, and Lithops dorotheae, known for its striking red and yellow patterns. Exploring different varieties online or at local nurseries can yield exciting and unique options for your collection.
Helpful Video
My name is Daniel Elrod, and I have been houseplant love ever since I was 17. I love how much joy they bring to any room in the home. I’ve always been amazed at how a few pots of flowing leaves can turn a drab and sterile office into an inviting place where people love to work at.
