Lithops karasmontana
Lithops karasmontana
Living Stones
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Common Names
Living StonesKaras Mountains Living Stone
Context
nativeRegion
Southern Africa (Namibia, South Africa)
usdaZones
9–11 (commonly grown as a windowsill or greenhouse plant elsewhere)
companionPlants
Conophytum species, Fenestraria, Gibbaeum, Haworthia
culturalUses
Grown as ornamental 'living stones' for collections; valued for their mimicry of pebbles in arid landscapes and minimal care.
Care
Care Requirements
LightBright, direct sunlight for at least 4-5 hours daily; can tolerate filtered light but requires high light for healthy growth.
WateringVery minimal; water only when the soil is fully dry, typically every 3-5 weeks during growth; avoid watering during dormancy and after splitting/leaves renewal.
SoilExtremely well-draining, gritty mix; cactus/succulent mix with added sand or pumice.
FertilizerSparingly; dilute cactus fertilizer once during the active growing period (spring or autumn).
HumidityLow; prefers dry air and is sensitive to high humidity.
TemperatureOptimal range is 18–28°C (65–82°F); protect from frost and temperatures below 10°C (50°F).
Growth & Life Cycle
HabitDwarf, stemless succulent with paired, pebble-like leaves.
Mature SizeApproximately 2–3 cm high and wide per individual head.
Growth RateSlow growing; divisions and new leaf pairs form annually.
BloomingAutumn; produces daisy-like white or yellow flowers from between the leaf pairs.
DormancySummer dormant; minimal growth and no watering during this period.
Propagation
MethodsSeed, Division of clumps
DifficultyModerate (slow and sensitive to overwatering)
Best SeasonSeed sowing in spring or autumn; division after flowering, during early active growth.
Maintenance & Notes
PruningNot required; remove dead leaf sheaths as new leaves emerge.
RepottingInfrequent; every 3-4 years or when clusters outgrow pot.
Pests & DiseasesSusceptible to mealybugs, root rot from excess moisture, fungal issues if overwatered.
ToxicityNon-toxic to humans and pets.
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