Lithops hookeri
Hooker living stone
A dwarf, clump-forming succulent with pairs of beige, brown or grey-white leaves, forming inversely cone-shaped bodies with almost flat upper surfaces. The top of each leaf has a grooved, translucent panel marked with brown-red lines. Small yellow flowers are produced in late summer
Size
Ultimate height
Up to 10cmTime to ultimate height
2–5 yearsUltimate spread
0–0.1 metreGrowing conditions
Moisture
Well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Grey Silver Brown Red | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Yellow | Grey Silver Brown Red | ||
| Autumn | Grey Silver Brown Red | |||
| Winter | Grey Silver Brown Red |
Position
- Full sun
Aspect
South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H2Botanical details
- Family
- Aizoaceae
- Native to GB / Ireland
- No
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Habit
- Clump forming
- 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
- South Africa (Eastern Cape, Northern Cape)
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow in cactus compost with added leaf mould in full light. From early summer to late autumn, water freely and apply a half-strength liquid feed monthly. Keep dry at other times. See houseplant cacti and succulent cultivation for further information
Propagation
Propagate by sowing seed at 19-24°C in spring or early summer; remove offsets in summer
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Houseplants
- Patio and container plants
- Low Maintenance
- Conservatory and greenhouse
Pruning
No pruning required
Pests
Diseases
Generally disease-free
Get involved
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