Living stones (Lithops bromfieldii)
Care, watering, light and tips for Living stones on Floravia.
Quick facts
- Family: Aizoaceae
- Difficulty: Demanding
- Watering: every 21 days
- Light: Partial shade
- Temperature: 10–30 °C
About Living stones
Lithops bromfieldii, commonly known as 'living stone', is a fascinating succulent native to South Africa, perfectly mimicking the rocks in its environment for camouflage. Its fleshy, reddish-brown leaves with intricate patterns form bilobed bodies that barely protrude from the soil surface. It is ideal for succulent collections, desert terrariums, or as an accent plant in small pots, adding an exotic and low-maintenance touch.
Native range
South Africa (mainly in the 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 feel soft or wrinkled, typically from spring to autumn, completely avoiding water during winter and the shedding period. Use a very well-draining substrate, such as a specific cactus and succulent mix with plenty of pumice or perlite. A common mistake is overwatering, which quickly leads to plant rot.
How to save a dying Living stones
- Warning signs
- Excessive wrinkling, softness, darkening in color.
- First aid
- Stop watering, check roots for rot, repot into dry, very well-draining substrate.
- What kills it
- Overwatering, especially in winter or when not actively growing.
- Can it be saved?
- Yes, if rot hasn't completely affected the base or main body.