Living stones (Lithops verruculosa)
Care, watering, light and tips for Living stones on Floravia.
Quick facts
- Family: Aizoaceae
- Difficulty: Demanding
- Watering: every 30 days
- Light: Partial shade
- Temperature: 10–30 °C
About Living stones
Lithops verruculosa, commonly known as 'warty stone plant', is a fascinating succulent belonging to the Aizoaceae family, native to South Africa. Its fleshy, fused leaves mimic stones, perfectly camouflaging it in its natural habitat, featuring a distinctive rough and 'warty' texture. This plant is ideal for succulent collectors, desert terrariums, or as a peculiar accent on well-lit windowsills.
Native range
South Africa
Care tips
It requires direct, bright sunlight for most of the day to maintain its compact growth and coloration. Watering should be extremely sparse and seasonal; water only when the old leaves are completely dry and new ones are forming, avoiding excess moisture which causes rot. Use a very well-draining substrate, such as a specific cactus and succulent mix with plenty of coarse sand or perlite. A common mistake is watering during the 'dormancy' period or when old leaves are still present, which can be fatal for the plant.
How to save a dying Living stones
- Warning signs
- Soft, wrinkled, or discolored leaves; rot at the base.
- First aid
- Remove from substrate, check roots. If rotted, cut affected parts with sterile blade. Air dry for 3-7 days.
- What kills it
- Overwatering, especially in winter or during dormancy.
- Can it be saved?
- Yes, if rot hasn't reached the main stem. Repot in very well-draining substrate and don't water until it shows thirst signs.