Living stones (Lithops divergens)
Care, watering, light and tips for Living stones on Floravia.
Quick facts
- Family: Aizoaceae
- Difficulty: Demanding
- Watering: every 14 days
- Light: Partial shade
- Temperature: 10–30 °C
About Living stones
Lithops divergens, commonly known as 'living stone', is a fascinating succulent from the Aizoaceae family, native to South Africa. Its two fleshy, almost fused leaves mimic stones, a perfect adaptation for camouflage in its arid environment. It's ideal for succulent collectors, desert terrariums, or as a botanical curiosity in any sunny indoor setting.
Native range
South Africa
Care tips
It requires bright, direct sunlight for most of the day to maintain its compact shape and coloration. Watering should be minimal and seasonal: water only when the old leaves have completely dried out and new ones have formed (typically in autumn and spring), avoiding watering in summer and when old leaves are reabsorbing. Use an extremely well-draining substrate, such as a mix of coarse sand, perlite, and very little organic matter. The most common mistake is overwatering, which leads to plant rot.
How to save a dying Living stones
- Warning signs
- Deep wrinkles, excessive softness, or rot at the base.
- First aid
- Stop watering. Check substrate: if wet, carefully remove.
- What kills it
- Overwatering, especially outside its growth period.
- Can it be saved?
- Yes, if rot hasn't advanced. Needs light and air.