Source: Wikimedia Commons
Lithops fulviceps
IntermediateLithops fulviceps
A Lithops with orange-brown tops covered in small raised dots, grey to brown or purple, like tiny blisters. Smaller than most Lithops, with yellow flowers.
About
Lithops fulviceps is a succulent in the Aizoaceae from southern Namibia and South Africa's Northern Cape at 700-1,150 m, on dry rocky ground of quartzite, gneiss and calcrete. It has the usual heart-shaped body of two fused leaves but is smaller than most species. The fissure runs nearly to the base and the flat faces vary in colour. It lacks clear margins, windows and channels; instead the face is netted with shallow grooves and covered in many raised dots like tiny blisters, ranging from dark grey through brown to purple. Flowers are yellow and up to about 35 mm across. A yellowish form (f. aurea) is sold in Japan as 'Ki-bimongyoku'. After autumn flowering the new leaf pair grows through winter and spring by drawing water from the old leaves, which shrink to papery shells. In Japan it is a widely available, attractively dotted Lithops, and many selections are offered.
Size of the Lithops fulviceps
The Lithops fulviceps grows to Smaller than most Lithops; flowers up to about 35 mm across.
Temperature & humidity for the Lithops fulviceps
The ideal temperature for the Lithops fulviceps is 8〜25℃.
Basic Info
Origin
Southern Namibia and Northern Cape, South Africa (700-1,150 m)
Lifespan
Perennial (little published data on lifespan)
Size
Smaller than most Lithops; flowers up to about 35 mm across
Temperature
8〜25℃
Humidity
30〜50%
Watering & Fertilizer
A little slow-release or liquid fertiliser from autumn to spring
Growing Tips
Light & Placement
Give it as much light as you can in a sunny, rain-sheltered spot, and let it rest in airy shade from the end of the rainy season through summer.
Watering
It is a winter grower. Resume watering in autumn once night temperatures fall below about 20°C, and while growing soak the pot until water runs out once the soil has dried. After flowering, hold back until the old leaves have fully withered, and keep it dry in the June-September rest.
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
An open, mineral, fast-draining mix is essential. 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.
Pests & Cautions
Almost all problems come from overwatering and poor ventilation, especially in dull, cool or very humid weather. 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 fulviceps FAQ
QWhat is the growing difficulty level for Lithops fulviceps?
Intermediate. A variety suitable for intermediate growers. Requires some cultivation experience and knowledge of environment management. Pay careful attention to temperature and humidity control.
QWhat is the ideal temperature for Lithops fulviceps?
The ideal temperature for Lithops fulviceps is 8〜25℃. Avoid sudden temperature changes and maintain a stable environment.
QHow large does Lithops fulviceps get?
The mature size of Lithops fulviceps is Smaller than most Lithops; flowers up to about 35 mm across. This may vary slightly depending on cultivation environment and individual differences.
QHow should I water and fertilize Lithops fulviceps?
Lithops fulviceps: 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 fulviceps?
The price of Lithops fulviceps 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 fulviceps (N.E.Br.) N.E.Br.
Synonyms: Mesembryanthemum fulviceps N.E.Br., Lithops lydiae L.Bolus, Lithops fulviceps f. aurea Y.Shimada
Authority databases: GBIF · GBIF: Lithops fulviceps
Nomenclature follows global taxonomic authority databases.
Regulations & Conservation Status
Lithops fulviceps is not listed in CITES (checked on Species+). No special procedure is needed for transfers within Japan.
Sources: Species+ (CITES): Lithops fulviceps
Regulations may change. Always verify the latest information with the relevant authorities.
Related Species
Find listings for this species
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