Source: Wikimedia Commons
Lithops julii
BeginnerLithops julii
A Lithops with whitish-grey tops netted in brown and a characteristic 'lip-smear' line along the fissure. It bears white flowers.
About
Lithops julii is a succulent in the Aizoaceae from southern Namibia, including west of Warmbad, where it grows sunk among quartz pebbles in limestone desert. It was collected by the German botanist Kurt Dinter and named after his friend Julius Derenberg. It is nearly stemless and small to medium-sized, solitary or clumping to 2-15 or more heads. Each cone-shaped head is split by a fissure 5-10 mm deep, with flat to slightly convex tops ranging from whitish to dark grey; some plants are almost uniform, others strongly netted with fine brown lines, others with obscure open windows. The 'lip-smear', a line running along the outer edge of the fissure, is the key identifying feature. White flowers appear from midsummer into autumn. Subsp. fulleri ('Fukuraigyoku' in Japan) belongs to the same species and is also widely available. It is relatively tolerant of water for a Lithops and easy to grow; in Japan netted forms and others are sold mainly by specialists.
Source: Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Size of the Lithops julii
The Lithops julii grows to Small to medium; solitary or clumps of 2-15 or more heads.
Temperature & humidity for the Lithops julii
The ideal temperature for the Lithops julii is 8〜25℃.
Basic Info
Origin
Southern Namibia (including west of Warmbad)
Lifespan
Perennial (little published data on lifespan)
Size
Small to medium; solitary or clumps of 2-15 or more heads
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 possible, but small plants scorch easily in strong midsummer sun, so shade them and let them rest somewhere airy in summer.
Watering
It is a winter grower. Resume watering in autumn once night temperatures fall below about 20°C and soak the pot when the soil dries while growing. Hold back from flowering until the old leaves wither, 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
Use an open mineral mix with little compost and plenty of grit or coarse sand. 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
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 julii FAQ
QWhat is the growing difficulty level for Lithops julii?
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 julii?
The ideal temperature for Lithops julii is 8〜25℃. Avoid sudden temperature changes and maintain a stable environment.
QHow large does Lithops julii get?
The mature size of Lithops julii is Small to medium; solitary or clumps of 2-15 or more heads. This may vary slightly depending on cultivation environment and individual differences.
QHow should I water and fertilize Lithops julii?
Lithops julii: 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 julii?
The price of Lithops julii 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 julii (Dinter & Schwantes) N.E.Br.
Synonyms: Mesembryanthemum julii Dinter & Schwantes, Lithops lactea Schick & Tischer, Lithops fulleri N.E.Br.
Authority databases: GBIF · GBIF: Lithops julii · Wikipedia: Lithops julii
Nomenclature follows global taxonomic authority databases.
Regulations & Conservation Status
Lithops julii is not listed in CITES (checked on Species+). No special procedure is needed for transfers within Japan.
Sources: Species+ (CITES): Lithops julii
Regulations may change. Always verify the latest information with the relevant authorities.
Related Species
Find listings for this species
Related Articles
Complete Guide to Growing Lithops | Mastering Shedding and Dormancy Management
A detailed explanation of how to grow Lithops, known as living jewels. We cover the mechanism and management of shedding, watering during dormancy, and common pitfalls and their solutions.
Autumn Preparation Management for Summer-Type Succulents
A guide to autumn care for summer-type succulents, covering plant changes from September to November, timing for gradual watering reduction, placement and temperature management for transitioning plants indoors, autumn fertilizing and pest control, variety-specific care checkpoints, and preparation for winter dormancy.
Mealybug Control on Succulents | Complete Guide to Early Detection, Removal, and Prevention
Mealybugs hide easily at the base of succulent leaves and on new growth. This guide covers their characteristics, the environments where they thrive, tips for early detection, removal methods using cotton swabs and alcohol, and daily care practices to prevent recurrence.
Summer and Winter Type Succulents: Growth Cycles and Watering Management Strategy
This article explains the differences in growth types of succulent plants, their annual growth cycles, seasonal watering management strategies, common failures, and countermeasures.
🩺 Common diseases
Can't find the plant you're looking for?
Post your wishes for free and growers with matching plants will contact you with introductions.