Living stones (Lithops hookeri)
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 hookeri, commonly known as 'brunt stenblad' (brown stone leaf), is a fascinating succulent plant that mimics the shape and color of rocks in its desert environment. Its fleshy leaves, fused in pairs and featuring intricate patterns, allow it to camouflage perfectly, often displaying brown, reddish, or grey hues. It is ideal for succulent collections, desert terrariums, or as a botanical curiosity in small, well-drained pots.
Native range
South Africa (mainly Northern Cape province)
Care tips
It requires intense, direct sunlight for most of the day to maintain its coloration and compact shape. Watering should be extremely sparse and only when the leaves appear slightly wrinkled, typically in autumn and winter, completely avoiding water during summer and spring while it is dormant or splitting. Use a very porous, mineral-based substrate, such as a mix of pumice, coarse sand, and minimal organic matter. A common mistake to avoid is overwatering, which is the primary cause of rot in Lithops.
How to save a dying Living stones
- Warning signs
- Deep wrinkles and limpness (underwatering), soft dark spots (overwatering).
- First aid
- If wrinkled, light, deep watering. If soft, stop watering and check roots.
- What kills it
- Overwatering outside its natural cycle (summer/winter), moisture-retentive substrate.
- Can it be saved?
- Yes, with quick action. Understanding its growth and dormancy cycle is key.