Source: Wikimedia Commons
Lithops dorotheae
BeginnerLithops dorotheae
A Lithops whose swollen tops carry blood-red branching markings in the windows. The intensity and layout of the pattern vary, and there is a selection marked only in the centre.
About
Lithops dorotheae is a succulent in the Aizoaceae from around Pofadder in South Africa's Northern Cape, where it grows on fine-grained quartz and feldspar rock. It was found in 1935 and named after Dorothea Huyssteen. It is a medium-sized, heart-shaped Lithops with swollen tops, a shallow fissure and largely fused leaves. The windows range from grey-green to brown-green or red-green, and the defining feature is the blood-red branching pattern within them. The depth and extent of the pattern vary between plants, and a selection marked only in the centre of the face is known as 'Zorro'. Like other Lithops it grows from autumn into winter, flowers in autumn, splits out a new leaf pair from the old in spring, and rests in summer. GBIF treats it as a synonym of L. dinteri, but it is traded under its own name. In Japan it is a standard, well-patterned Lithops widely sold by specialists and garden centres.
Source: Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Temperature & humidity for the Lithops dorotheae
The ideal temperature for the Lithops dorotheae is 8〜25℃.
Basic Info
Origin
Around Pofadder, Northern Cape, South Africa
Lifespan
Perennial (little published data on lifespan)
Size
Medium-sized Lithops; divides into two heads about every two years
Temperature
8〜25℃
Humidity
30〜50%
Watering & Fertilizer
A little slow-release or liquid fertiliser from autumn to spring
Growing Tips
Light & Placement
Keep it in a sunny, rain-sheltered spot outdoors all year. It dislikes midsummer heat and humidity, so give airflow and shade to keep it cool.
Watering
It is a winter grower. From September to November water thoroughly when the soil dries; flowers may not open fully if it is short of water. In winter water on warm days, and in the summer rest just mist two or three times a month.
Temperature & Overwintering
Keep winter minimums above about 3°C to keep plants looking good (they survive down to roughly 0-3°C). Light frost rarely kills them, but bring them in or protect them in the coldest spell.
Soil & Repotting
It sends down a thick taproot, so use a reasonably deep pot and free-draining mix. It needs repotting only when growth slows or the pot is crowded, ideally in October-November.
Propagation
Propagate from seed (October-November) or by dividing clumps. Division is the sure way to keep the pattern of selections such as 'Zorro'.
Pests & Cautions
Scale insects and aphids may attack buds and flowers and root mealybugs the roots; slugs eat petals and cutworms the leaves. Pick off spent flowers, which can cause rot.
Lithops dorotheae FAQ
QWhat is the growing difficulty level for Lithops dorotheae?
Beginner. A variety suitable for beginners. No special equipment or experience is required—you can grow it without problems by setting up a basic cultivation environment.
QWhat is the ideal temperature for Lithops dorotheae?
The ideal temperature for Lithops dorotheae is 8〜25℃. Avoid sudden temperature changes and maintain a stable environment.
QHow should I water and fertilize Lithops dorotheae?
Lithops dorotheae: watering & fertilizer — A little slow-release or liquid fertiliser from autumn to spring. Aim for appropriate frequency and amount.
QWhat is the typical price for Lithops dorotheae?
The price of Lithops dorotheae varies significantly by variety, characteristics, size, and lineage. Please check GrowerDirect's price guide for the latest market information.
Last updated: September 23, 2026
References & Sources
Edited & verified by: GrowerDirect Editorial Team
The classifications, regulations, and growing data on this page are created and verified based on the primary information database below.
Taxonomy & Authority
Accepted name: Lithops dorotheae Nel
Authority databases: GBIF · GBIF: Lithops dorotheae · Wikipedia: Lithops dorotheae
Nomenclature follows global taxonomic authority databases.
Regulations & Conservation Status
Lithops dorotheae is not listed in CITES (checked on Species+). No special procedure is needed for transfers within Japan.
Sources: Species+ (CITES): Lithops dorotheae
Regulations may change. Always verify the latest information with the relevant authorities.
Related Species
Find listings for this species
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