Secret: Where To Buy Lithops
Posted by Grace on February 10, 2023
Lithops are unique and adorable plants, but they are very hard to find. You've fallen in love with lithops, but don't know where to get them. I know that feeling, and I have been there, too!
In this article, I will reveal my insider tips on where to find Lithops! I have found lithops from all the channels that I mention here.
Online Stores
The most reliable way to buy Lithops is through online stores such as Amazon, Etsy, and eBay. I have ordered from all of them before.
On Amazon, you can find sellers offering both mature and seedling lithops. However, based on my experience, there are limited options when it comes to selecting specific types. Usually, sellers sell them in packs, but you can always reach out to the seller and inquire about the possibility of choosing individual plants.
1 year-old Lithops seedlings from Amazon
You can also locate lithops on eBay, as there are nurseries across the United States and the world that have online stores on the platform. I've found that eBay has a wider selection of lithops varieties. To ensure a positive experience, it's important to select sellers with high ratings.
When buying on eBay or Esty, it's easy to fall into the trap of assuming you have purchased mature lithops based solely on the images. However, you may end up receiving seeds instead. To avoid this mistake, it's important to pay close attention to the description of the product and ensure that the seller is actually offering mature lithops. Keep an eye out for key phrases such as "mature" or "year old," which can help you determine whether they are seeds or actual plants.
If you're interested in purchasing from a store located overseas on eBay, make sure to familiarize yourself with their international shipping policies.
Personal story here: I once had the opportunity to purchase lithops and conophytum from a grower located in Hungary 🇭🇺. The transaction was smooth and I was able to enjoy unique varieties of the plants. Sadly, they were no longer available later on.
Local Plant Nurseries
While it's possible to come across lithops at your local plant nurseries, it's not a guarantee. Lithops are delicate plants and require specialized care, which is why many nurseries may not carry them.
However, it won't hurt to reach out and inquire about availability.
At a succulent nursery in Half Moon Bay, California
Big Box Grocery Stores and Home Improvement Stores
Believe it or not, stores like Home Depot and Lowes sometimes carry lithops in their plant sections, particularly during the warmer seasons. The first time I encountered this plant weirdo was at Home Depot.
As far as I know, the lithops farm in the US, Altman Plants, wholesales to these stores.
Trader Joe's also carries Lithops occasionally. If you are a frequent shopper at Trader Joe's, keep an eye out in the plant section!
Lithops from Trader Joe's, Sunnyvale, California
Facebook Marketplace and OfferUp
You can look for lithops on Facebook Marketplace and OfferUp to see if there are any sellers offering the plant in your local area.
In particular, California, known for its ideal climate for succulents, you will be surprised by how many amazing local plant sellers there are.
Individual Growers
Getting lithops from individual growers can be a bit of a gamble, as there is no purchasing guarantee like you would have when shopping online. This approach requires a certain level of trust in the seller, especially for the first transaction.
However, I came across several lithops nurseries from Italy 🇮🇹 and Spain 🇪🇸 on Instagram. I was able to negotiate prices with them directly through direct messages and made payments via PayPal, which provides a measure of protection for the transaction.
A wholesale lithops grower in Italy shared this photo of their inventory with me.
Buy Lithops Seeds
It is worth noting that, like many other plants, you can grow lithops from seeds. You can get the seeds from online stores, such as Amazon, Etsy and eBay.
However, it's important to keep in mind that growing lithops from seeds is a long process and the success rate is relatively low. If you're eager to add lithops to your collection, it's recommended to purchase a mature plant instead.
Lithops seeds from eBay