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Lithops Optica ‘Rubra’ Care Tips

Lithops (a.k.a Living Stones), a genus of succulents native to southern Africa, have a unique appearance of small colorful pebbles. These slow-growing plants are quite a popular novelty because are easy to grow indoors and look gorgeous in small pots and containers. They don’t have a stem and are made of thick leaves that grow in pairs. Lithops Optica ‘Rubra’ are very sought after and appreciated for their distinctive purple tone.

Lithops ‘Rubra’ bloom in the late autumn or early winter when a single white flower will be pushed up from the fissure between the pair of leaves. After the plant flowers, it goes into a period of dormancy during which at least one new body develops. Lithops are very fascinating succulents, non-toxic to humans or pets.



Lithops Optica ‘Rubra’ Care Tips

Light:  Lithops do well when exposed to 4 hours of direct sunlight per day and partial shade in the afternoon, both indoors and outdoors. However, if you keep them under intense sun exposure. It can tolerate some direct sun in the morning or late afternoon.

Water: Watering lithops can be tricky. They have a yearly cycle of growth and you need to water according to the time of year. These little succulents need very little water and do not need to be watered in their dormant season, which is fall to spring. Water from late spring into summer by using the ‘soak and dry‘ method. Over-watering can cause root rot.

Soil: Lithops thrive in compacted, sandy soil. Use well-draining soil mix to prevent water from sitting in the soil. If you grow yours in pots, make sure to use a well-draining grit-rich cactus blend of potting mix. If you don’t have a cactus mix, you can easily make your own by mixing 50% potting soil or compost with 50% grit material (perlite, pumice, lava rock, or coarse sand).

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