Living stones (Lithops pseudotruncatella)
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 pseudotruncatella, also known as "living stone" or "stone plant," is a fascinating succulent from the Aizoaceae family, native to South Africa and Namibia. Its fleshy, pebble-shaped leaves with cryptic patterns allow it to perfectly camouflage itself within its rocky environment. It is ideal for desert terrariums, succulent collections, or as an accent plant in small pots, adding an exotic and minimalist touch.
Native range
South Africa
Care tips
It requires direct and intense sunlight to thrive, preferably several hours a day. Watering should be extremely sparse and only during its active growth period (autumn-spring), avoiding wetting the leaves and suspending completely in summer and when old leaves are reabsorbing. Use a very mineral substrate with excellent drainage, such as a mix of pumice, coarse sand, and little organic matter. A common mistake is overwatering, which leads to plant rot; it's better to underwater than to overwater.
How to save a dying Living stones
- Warning signs
- Deep wrinkles and flaccidity (lack of water), soft spots or rot (excess water).
- First aid
- If wrinkled, a very light, single watering. If soft, stop watering and check roots.
- What kills it
- Overwatering, especially outside its growth cycle. Also, insufficient intense light.
- Can it be saved?
- Yes, if rot hasn't affected the main body. Act quickly.