Lithops olivacea

RHS Plant Profile

olive-green living stone

RHS

Cactus Succulent Conservatory Greenhouse Houseplants

A succulent perennial making a clump of pale beige, fleshy leaves mottled with dark olive-green on the tips, with white-centred yellow flowers 3-4cm across in late summer and early autumn

Position

Full sun

Soil Types

Loam, Sand

Max Height

Up to 10 cm

Max Spread

0-0.1 metre

Size

Time to Maturity: 2–5 years
Max Spread: 0-0.1 metre
Max Height: Up to 10 cm

Growing Conditions

Loam Sand

Moisture: Well–drained
pH: Acid or Neutral

Position

Full sun

Aspect: West–facing or South–facing
Exposure: Sheltered
Hardiness

Hardiness Ratings

All ratings refer to the UK growing conditions unless otherwise stated. Minimum temperature ranges (in degrees C) are shown in brackets

H1A: under glass all year (>15C)
H1B: can be grown outside in the summer (10 - 15)
H1C: can be grown outside in the summer (5 - 10)
H2: tolerant of low temperatures, but not surviving being frozen (1 to 5)
H3: hardy in coastal and relatively mild parts of the UK (-5 to 1)
H4: hardy through most of the UK (-10 to -5)
H5: hardy in most places throughout the UK even in severe winters (-15 to -10)
H6: hardy in all of UK and northern Europe (-20 to -15)
H7: hardy in the severest European continental climates (< -20): H2

Colour & Scent

Season	Stem	Flower	Foliage	Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical Details

Family: Aizoaceae
Native to GB/Ireland: No
Foliage: Evergreen
Habit: Bushy
Genus: Lithops are nearly stemless, succulent perennials forming bodies composed of a pair of very fleshy leaves, the flattish tips bearing translucent dots or patches; daisy-like flowers emerge from the fissure between the leaves
Name Status: Correct
Plant Range: S Africa

How to Grow

Cultivation

Grow in cactus compost with added leaf mould in full light. Water freely during the growing season and apply a balanced liquid fertiliser monthly. Keep dry at other times

Propagation

Propagate by seed at 19-24°C (66-75°F) in spring or early summer, or remove offsets in early summer

Suggested planting locations and garden types

Patio and container plants
Low Maintenance

Pruning

No pruning required

Pests

Aphids and mealybugs may occur

Diseases

Usually disease free