Living stones (Lithops optica)
Care, watering, light and tips for Living stones on Floravia.
Quick facts
- Family: Aizoaceae
- Difficulty: Demanding
- Watering: every 20 days
- Light: Partial shade
- Temperature: 10–30 °C
About Living stones
Lithops optica, also known as "ögonstenblad" or "living stone", is a fascinating succulent native to South Africa, remarkable for its appearance mimicking desert stones. Its two fleshy, almost fused leaves form a conical or cylindrical body, with a translucent "window" on top that allows light for photosynthesis. This plant is ideal for succulent collectors, desert terrariums, or as a decorative element in bright interiors, adding an exotic and minimalist touch.
Native range
South Africa and Namibia
Care tips
It requires full sun exposure or very bright light for most of the day to maintain its compact shape and coloration. Watering should be extremely sparse and only when the plant shows signs of thirst (slightly shriveled), completely avoiding watering during the winter dormancy period and the formation of new leaves. Use a very well-draining substrate, such as a specific mix for cacti and succulents with plenty of coarse sand or perlite. The most common mistake is overwatering, which quickly leads to root rot.
How to save a dying Living stones
- Warning signs
- Deep, persistent wrinkles (underwatering), soft and discolored (overwatering).
- First aid
- If wrinkled, soak in water for 30 min. If soft, remove from substrate and let roots dry.
- What kills it
- Overwatering outside its cycle, especially in summer or winter. Moisture-retentive substrate.
- Can it be saved?
- Yes, if acted upon quickly. Rot from overwatering is its biggest threat.