Living stones (Lithops salicola)
Care, watering, light and tips for Living stones on Floravia.
Quick facts
- Family: Aizoaceae
- Difficulty: Demanding
- Watering: every 15 days
- Light: Partial shade
- Temperature: 10–30 °C
About Living stones
Lithops salicola, also known as 'living stones', are fascinating succulents native to South Africa. Their appearance mimics the surrounding rocks, featuring two fleshy, fused leaves that form a conical or cylindrical body with a central fissure. They are ideal for desert terrariums, succulent collections, or as desk plants, adding an exotic and minimalist touch.
Native range
South Africa
Care tips
They require abundant direct sunlight to maintain their compact shape and prevent etiolation. Watering should be extremely limited; only when the old leaves have completely dried and new ones are emerging, avoiding watering during summer dormancy. Use a very porous and well-draining substrate, such as a specific mix for cacti and succulents with plenty of coarse sand or perlite. A common mistake is overwatering, which quickly rots the plant.
How to save a dying Living stones
- Warning signs
- Deep wrinkles/flaccid (underwatering), soft spots/rot (overwatering).
- First aid
- If wrinkled, light deep watering. For rot, remove, clean roots, repot in dry substrate.
- What kills it
- Overwatering, especially out of growing season (autumn/winter) or in summer. Also lack of direct light.
- Can it be saved?
- Yes, with quick action. Rot is harder, but dehydration is reversible with care.