Living stones (Lithops lesliei)
Care, watering, light and tips for Living stones on Floravia.
Quick facts
- Family: Aizoaceae
- Difficulty: Demanding
- Watering: every 7 days
- Light: Partial shade
- Temperature: 10–30 °C
About Living stones
Lithops lesliei, also known as 'gulgrönt stenblad' or living stone, is a fascinating succulent plant native to South Africa, renowned for its astonishing mimicry of the rocks in its environment. Its fleshy, almost stemless leaves form a pair of lobes that resemble small greenish or yellowish stones, often with intricate patterns. It's an excellent choice for desert terrariums, succulent collections, or as a focal point in individual pots where its uniqueness can be appreciated up close.
Native range
South Africa
Care tips
It requires direct, bright sunlight for most of the day to maintain its compact shape and coloration. Watering should be sparse and very controlled: only when the leaves wrinkle slightly, and never during the 'shedding' period (when new leaves emerge), which is usually in autumn and winter, avoiding overwatering which is its main enemy. Use an extremely well-draining substrate, such as a specific cactus and succulent mix with plenty of coarse sand or perlite. A common mistake is overwatering or watering at the wrong time, which quickly leads to rot.
How to save a dying Living stones
- Warning signs
- Softening, excessive wrinkling, darkening or translucent discoloration.
- First aid
- Remove from substrate, check roots. If rot, cut and let callus.
- What kills it
- Overwatering (especially in winter) or organic substrate retaining moisture.
- Can it be saved?
- Yes, if rot hasn't reached the plant's core. Requires patience.