Lithops localis

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local living stone

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local living stone RHS / Joanna Kossak
local living stone RHS / Joanna Kossak

Synonyms

Lithops terricolor

Cactus Succulent Houseplants Conservatory Greenhouse

A low-growing succulent perennial with paired brownish-grey to pale green leaves, the flat, upper surfaces of which are covered in darker spots. Daisy-like yellow flowers, sometimes with white centres, up to 3cm in diameter appear in summer or 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
South–facing or West–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 (Cape)

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 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