Lithops lighting?

[Dante1709]

I've been thinking about acquiring Lithops lately, and begin growing them, but I'm unsure about my conditions and wanted some reassurance. How much light do these need? Oncidium light? Cattleya light?

I get some direct sunlight, but not enough to burn orchids.I'd say 3-6 hours of Oncidium light is what I have. To put that into context : My phal has purple tinges and my paph isn't as checkered as it should be.

Other than that, feel free to share your culture tips on Lithops!

[Ray]

They are desert plants - hot, dry, no cover = "terete vanda light levels".

[Hiester]

I would agree with Ray. The Lithops sp. will tolerate as much light as you can give them, but you must guard against overheating their containers as the plants rely on the coolness below the soil surface for survival since they have no capacity for leaf surface transpiration. Careful detail to watering, including a dry rest period, and a soil that does not retain too much moisture is also essential.

[Orchid killer]

Full sun light ... with little to no water. I grow my lithops in full African sun for 7 to 8 hours each day. If your lithops start to turn more green and grow up right out of the medium, then your light level is low.
As Hiester indicated, gravel rich sandy soil that does not retain moisture, and only water very occasionally. I water mine, only once a month and just enough to dampen the medium. Warnings, these things rot for nothing .... they just see an empty watering can ... and they'll rot.

But don't be put off, give them a try. If you don't have success with Lithops, try the sister genus Corophytum or Pleiospilos which are a little more easier and forgiving but just be careful with the water. Fenestraria are also fun to try.
Good luck.

[tarev]

Wow, that is really good to know Orchid killer. I have yet to master growing Lithops and Pleiospilos nelli. Have always killed it during overwintering transition. Of all the succulents I grow, those two are my nemesis. I just cannot get my watering timing right.

[Dante1709]

I went plant shopping today and couldn't find the Lithops ; although I think if I ever get the chance, I'll give them a try. I ended up coming home with a few Tillies instead, but I appreciate all the advice and I'll look at this thread in the future to help me out. Thanks everyone!

[samarak]

My wife likes Lithops and she grows and flowers them in our conditions, but there were a number of casualties while she was learning. As others have said, very bright light. In our greenhouse, they are on an unshaded table edge with some other very high light plants, so they get nearly full sun all morning. Overwatering is how we killed them. When in growth, they will tolerate more or less normal cactus/succulent watering, but when they are resting, we give only enough to keep the soil from drying completely. (Think of them like a Cynorkis or Habenaria in regard to watering.) Fun plants, and very photogenic.

Steve