Lithops optica 'Rubra' - Living Stones [small]

Highlights

Lithops optica 'Rubra' or "Living Stones": A small, rare, magenta form of the species. This slow-growing mesemb from South Africa is accustomed to full sun, rocky soil, and droughts that last several months. Only the very tops of the leaf pairs are exposed aboveground. They have deep taproots and need very little water and a well-draining soil in order to prevent their fleshy leaves from exploding.

White to pale pink, diurnal flowers usually emerge in autumn followed by splitting to reveal a new, inner pair of leaves. The inner leaf pair get all the water they need from the older, outer pair. The soil must be kept dry to allow the outer leaf pair to wither and fall off. Lithops can be challenging plants to grow, but here are some pointers to help you along the way:

• Transplant into deep pots with drainage holes. We recommend looking for a pot that's narrow but 4" or deeper and only planting one Lithops per pot
• Use gritty, well-draining soil, such as 80% mineral grit and 20% organic matter
• Grow in full sun or on a very sunny window sill
• Water in the fall and spring growing seasons, waiting for deep wrinkling before watering again
• Do not water in winter or when a Lithops is splitting
• Begin spring watering only when the older, outer leaves have shriveled into paper-thin sheets
• Water very sparingly in summer ONLY if you notice severe wrinkling on the top; wrinkles on sides are a normal part of their annual cycle and not an indicator that they should be watered

For more information on this rare species, check out Lithops.info or our Guide to Cultivating Lithops.

Product Size

2.0" Pot

Current Primary Color

Purple / Black

All Seasonal Colors

Pink

Bloom Color

White Bloom

Grow Zone (Hardiness)

Zone 10 (30F)

Recommended Light Conditions

Bright Indoor Light

Recommended Light Conditions

Full Sun

Maximum Height

Under 3"

Maximum Rosette Size

Under 3"

Growth Habit / Shape

Clumping / Mounding

Special Characteristic

Pet Safe

Special Characteristic

Slow Grower

Special Characteristic

Showy Blooms

THIS PLANT IS HARDY IN ZONES 10+

10

WHAT IS MY HARDINESS ZONE?

Zip Code

GO

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