Lithops karasmontana
Also known as: Karas mountains living stone
A living stone whose marbled grey-red tops mimic the quartz scatter of the Karas mountains. It belongs to the Lithops genus, comes from South Africa/Namibia (Great Karas mountains), stays around Bodies 2–4 cm, mostly buried, and tolerates USDA 10–11; keep above 5 °C; dry cold to -4 °C. Individual plants vary, so treat this as a general guide rather than a guarantee.
Key facts
- Genus: Lithops
- Origin: South Africa/Namibia (Great Karas mountains)
- Mature size: Bodies 2–4 cm, mostly buried
- Hardiness: USDA 10–11; keep above 5 °C; dry cold to -4 °C
- Toxicity: Non-toxic
Succulent at a glance
- Genus
- Lithops
- Origin
- South Africa/Namibia (Great Karas mountains)
- Mature size
- Bodies 2–4 cm, mostly buried
- Growth habit
- Single pair of fused chunky leaves per body
- Leaf colour
- Grey-red marbled 'topography' patterns
- Flower colour
- White or yellow daisy flowers at dusk
- Hardiness
- USDA 10–11; keep above 5 °C; dry cold to -4 °C
- Toxicity
- Non-toxic
- Other names
- Karas mountains living stone
About the Lithops karasmontana
A living stone whose marbled grey-red tops mimic the quartz scatter of the Karas mountains. Follow the lithops calendar strictly: no water while the old leaves are being absorbed.
Care and cultivation
Lithops break every succulent rule. They have a strict annual cycle: new leaves grow in spring by absorbing the old pair, which shrivels to a papery skin — during this time water nothing. After the old leaves are dry, water lightly. A lithops that is wrinkled in summer is often just resting; overwatering is far deadlier than drought. Light: Very bright with some direct morning sun. Water: Almost none: stop watering after flowering until the old leaves are fully absorbed, then light water only. Use a Nearly pure mineral mix (80–90% grit).
Description
Lithops karasmontana is a Lithops succulent from South Africa/Namibia (Great Karas mountains). A living stone whose marbled grey-red tops mimic the quartz scatter of the Karas mountains. Follow the lithops calendar strictly: no water while the old leaves are being absorbed.
Identification
Look for: Grey-red marbled 'topography' patterns leaves in a Bodies 2–4 cm, mostly buried form. Also answers to Karas mountains living stone. The genus is Lithops, which already narrows down the care requirements considerably. Nickname: 'Karas living stone'.
Frequently asked questions
How often should I water my Lithops karasmontana?
Almost none: stop watering after flowering until the old leaves are fully absorbed, then light water only. Always let the soil dry completely between waterings, and water less in winter when growth slows.
How much light does Lithops karasmontana need?
Very bright with some direct morning sun. If the plant stretches or loses colour, it needs more light.
Related succulents
Succulent information on this page is based on the Wikipedia article on the Lithops karasmontana, supplemented with additional research. Reviewed for accuracy.