Lithops optica 'Rubra'
Also known as: Optica rubra, living stone gem
The red lithops: 'Rubra' is the sought-after magenta-red form of L. It comes from Namibia (Lüderitz area), stays around Bodies 2–3 cm, and tolerates USDA 10–11; keep above 5 °C. Individual plants vary, so treat this as a general guide rather than a guarantee.
Key facts
- Genus: Lithops
- Origin: Namibia (Lüderitz area)
- Mature size: Bodies 2–3 cm
- Hardiness: USDA 10–11; keep above 5 °C
- Toxicity: Non-toxic
Succulent at a glance
- Genus
- Lithops
- Origin
- Namibia (Lüderitz area)
- Mature size
- Bodies 2–3 cm
- Growth habit
- Tube-like fused leaves with windowed faces
- Leaf colour
- Distinctive deep rose-red bodies (cv. Rubra)
- Flower colour
- White-pink daisy
- Hardiness
- USDA 10–11; keep above 5 °C
- Toxicity
- Non-toxic
- Other names
- Optica rubra, living stone gem
About the Lithops optica 'Rubra'
The red lithops: 'Rubra' is the sought-after magenta-red form of L. optica, rare in habitat. Same strict calendar as all lithops — water only when the old leaves have fully dried.
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 optica 'Rubra' is a Lithops succulent from Namibia (Lüderitz area). The red lithops: 'Rubra' is the sought-after magenta-red form of L. optica, rare in habitat. Same strict calendar as all lithops — water only when the old leaves have fully dried.
Identification
Look for: Distinctive deep rose-red bodies (cv. Rubra) leaves in a Bodies 2–3 cm form. Also answers to Optica rubra, living stone gem. The genus is Lithops, which already narrows down the care requirements considerably. Nickname: 'Red living stone'.
Frequently asked questions
How often should I water my Lithops optica 'Rubra'?
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 optica 'Rubra' 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 optica 'Rubra', supplemented with additional research. Reviewed for accuracy.