Living stones (Lithops otzeniana)
Care, watering, light and tips for Living stones on Floravia.
Quick facts
- Family: Aizoaceae
- Difficulty: Demanding
- Watering: every 21 days
- Light: Partial shade
- Temperature: 10–30 °C
About Living stones
Lithops otzeniana, also known as 'living stone', is a fascinating succulent native to South Africa, perfectly camouflaging itself with its rocky environment. Its fleshy, cloven, gray-green to brown leaves, often with intricate patterns, give it the appearance of pebbles or small stones. It's an ideal plant for desert terrariums, succulent collections, or as an intriguing focal point in individual pots.
Native range
South Africa (Northern Cape Province)
Care tips
It requires direct and intense sunlight to maintain its compact shape and coloration. Watering should be extremely sparse and precise: only when the side leaves show slight wrinkling, and completely abstain from watering during winter and when it's shedding its leaves. Use a very well-draining substrate, composed mainly of inorganic materials such as pumice, akadama, or coarse sand. The most common mistake to avoid is overwatering, which will quickly lead to plant rot.
How to save a dying Living stones
- Warning signs
- Excessive shriveling, softening or rot at the base, or etiolation (stretching for light).
- First aid
- If soft, stop watering and check roots. If shriveled, a very light watering. If etiolated, provide more light.
- What kills it
- Overwatering, especially outside its active growth period (fall-winter). Or unsuitable substrate.
- Can it be saved?
- Yes, if rot hasn't reached the central stem. Act quickly and inspect roots.