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Cactus Succulent

Lithops hookeri
  • RHS AGM

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 10cm
Time to ultimate height
2–5 years
Ultimate spread
0–0.1 metre
Growing conditions
Loam
Sand
Moisture
Well–drained
pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
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
H2
Botanical details
Family
Aizoaceae
Native to the UK
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

May be susceptible to aphids and mealybugs

Diseases

Generally disease-free

Get involved

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