Ok lets see.. 1. Yes - one of the best methods 2. Various answers - from germination to a month (I do not go for longer than 2 weeks) 3. Nope - just not in sun 4. 4 days to 7 days (most) with some latecomers up to 6 months - there are some variations as always 5. I have used various mixes - they all seem to work fairly well, just not too porous as the seeds may go too deep - they are pretty small (dust like) Here is a pic of my current crop - I think 2 months old - more or less

Depending on your location in India, the climate may not be suitable for Lithops. In general they need a dry summer season while they are semi-dormant. The cooler autumn weather, especially cool evenings, is what triggers most species into active flowering and growth. Germination also seems to be best with warm days (75-85F) and cooler nights (55-65F). Some of the more robust species like lesliei, aucampiae or hookeri are probably more tolerant of heat and moisture. Remember these are highly specialized plants. They are not designed for the tropics. x

Best advice? Read this first, a few times if necessary. Then experiment away. Lithops seeds are readily available so don't worry about the inevitable disappointments until you figure out what works for you.

Remember there are to sowing seasons for Lithop seed, Autumn & Spring. You will have to ask some one who is really into Lithops about which ones are which season. I germinate all my seeds in take away food containers. I use Debco seed raising mix which i just damp down, put the seeds on top, close the lids down on them and throw them on the shelf, i might give a spray with a Fungicide like Fongorid if they need it but other than that i leave them for up to six to 12 mnths until they are ready to pot out & i lose very few.