How to Care for Living Stones (Lithops)? Detailed Guide to Care Methods and Precautions

I. Growing Environment:

1. Soil: Living stones prefer loose, well-aerated sandy loam soil, ideally neutral soil.

2. Watering: They do not need much water. Do not overwater, otherwise moss will grow, which will hinder their normal growth.

3. Temperature: The most suitable temperature is 15-25°C. In winter, the temperature should ideally be around 10°C, and never below 5°C, otherwise they will suffer frost damage and may even die.

4. Light: In spring and autumn, they can be exposed to direct sunlight. In summer, when temperatures are too high, shade measures should be taken. In winter, they are best placed in a brightly lit spot.

II. Propagation Methods:

1. Seed sowing: Use the indoor pot-sowing method, generally in April-May, at a temperature of around 15-25°C. After sowing, do not water directly, and do not cover with soil, otherwise germination will be affected.

2. Cuttings: Prepare a suitable growing medium, cut off the stems or leaves and let them dry, then insert them into the medium, and lightly mist with water. Roots will soon grow. Generally, it is best not to take cuttings when the temperature is relatively high.

III. Common Pests and Diseases:

The most common problems are leaf rot disease and leaf spot disease. When these occur, they can be treated by spraying with chemicals. The usual pest is root-knot nematodes, which can be reduced by changing the soil. Next are ants, which can be dealt with by using the double-pot method with a water barrier, so that the ants cannot climb onto the bulbous leaves.