# Eye-Like Living Stone (Lithops optica)

> Endemic to the foggy coastal fog-belt around Lüderitz in Namibia, Lithops optica is an iconic living stone characterized by club-shaped, convex leaves with deep, translucent apical windows. While standard wild forms exhibit subtle greyish-green to opalescent tones, the renowned cultivar 'Rubra' captivates with vivid ruby-violet coloration. Distinct from most inland Lithops, it produces its white, daisy-like blossoms exceptionally late in the season, from late autumn into winter.

- **Scientific Name:** *Lithops optica*
- **Botanical Family:** Aizoaceae
- **Care Difficulty:** Expert (4/5)
- **Cold Hardiness:** 0°C (USDA Zone 10a)
- **Pet Safety / Toxicity:** Pet-Safe (Non-toxic to cats and dogs)
- **Canonical URL:** https://sukulentler.com/en/species/lithops-optica
- **Markdown Source:** https://sukulentler.com/en/species/lithops-optica.md
- **Botanical Photo:** https://sukulentler.com/assets/images/articles/species_lithops_optica.webp?v=1794195942

## Light & Sun Exposure

At least 4-5 hours of direct morning sunlight complemented by bright, filtered light; shelter from scorching midday sun with strong airflow.

## Watering Schedule & Method

Completely withhold water during leaf regeneration (late winter through spring). Water sparingly when the potting medium is entirely dry from late summer through the autumn-winter bloom.

## Soil & Gritty Mix Formula

85% coarse pumice, volcanic scoria, and coarse silica sand + 15% screened low-organic cactus compost.

## Cold Tolerance & Overwintering

0°C (USDA Zone 10a)

## Propagation Methods

Seed sowing in early spring (primary method) or meticulous division of multi-headed clusters during repotting.

## Available Language Editions

- [TR: Göz Canlı Taşı (Lithops optica)](https://sukulentler.com/tr/turler/lithops-optica.md)
- [DE: Augen-Lebender Stein (Lithops optica)](https://sukulentler.com/de/arten/lithops-optica.md)
- [ES: Piedra Viva de Ojo (Lithops optica)](https://sukulentler.com/es/especies/lithops-optica.md)