Lithops salicola
Also known as: Sali living stone
Named for growing in saline soils (salicola = salt dweller): pale salt-white bodies with dark window dots. It belongs to the Lithops genus, comes from South Africa (Orange River sali fields), stays around Bodies 2–3 cm, mostly buried, 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: South Africa (Orange River sali fields)
- Mature size: Bodies 2–3 cm, mostly buried
- Hardiness: USDA 10–11; keep above 5 °C
- Toxicity: Non-toxic
Succulent at a glance
- Genus
- Lithops
- Origin
- South Africa (Orange River sali fields)
- Mature size
- Bodies 2–3 cm, mostly buried
- Growth habit
- Salt-white grey bodies with dark windows
- Leaf colour
- Salt-grey with dark grey dots
- Flower colour
- White daisy flowers
- Hardiness
- USDA 10–11; keep above 5 °C
- Toxicity
- Non-toxic
- Other names
- Sali living stone
About the Lithops salicola
Named for growing in saline soils (salicola = salt dweller): pale salt-white bodies with dark window dots. One of the easier lithops, forgiving one careful watering a season.
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 salicola is a Lithops succulent from South Africa (Orange River sali fields). Named for growing in saline soils (salicola = salt dweller): pale salt-white bodies with dark window dots. One of the easier lithops, forgiving one careful watering a season.
Identification
Look for: Salt-grey with dark grey dots leaves in a Bodies 2–3 cm, mostly buried form. Also answers to Sali living stone. The genus is Lithops, which already narrows down the care requirements considerably. Nickname: 'Sali living stone'.
Frequently asked questions
How often should I water my Lithops salicola?
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 salicola 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 salicola, supplemented with additional research. Reviewed for accuracy.