Living stones care guide
Lithops
Also known as: Lithops aucampiae, Lithops lesliei
Pets and children
We haven't been able to confirm how this plant affects pets or small children. If any is eaten, consult a veterinarian or a doctor.
How often to water Living stones
- Spring–Summer (Mar–Sep)
- Every month
- A winter grower: in spring it molts and in summer it rests, so keep it nearly dry, wetting only the surface about once a month on a cool night.
- Autumn (Oct–Nov)
- Every 10 days
- Growth resumes from late September: as a guide, water well in the evening once the soil dries, and it flowers in October and November.
- Winter (Dec–Feb)
- Every month
- Still growing but slow to dry in the cold, so water sparingly about once a month on a warm morning, as a guide.
Light and placement for Living stones
From fall to spring, as much sun and airflow as possible, as a guide, since low light makes it stretch; in summer move it to bright, rain-free shade with moving air, as rooms are usually too dim.
Overwintering Living stones
Overwintering guide: 3°C (37°F) or above
Winter is a growing season: give it full daytime sun and protect it from frost, as it takes about 3°C when kept dry; shelter it at night in a cold frame or under the eaves, or at a window away from heaters.
Fertilizing and repotting Living stones
Fertilizer
It needs almost none: diluted liquid fertilizer once or twice in fall as a guide, since too much splits or stretches the bodies, and nothing while it rests.
When to repot
Autumn (Oct–Nov)
Common problems with Living stones
- Watered in summer, it overheats and melts away.
- Watered during the spring molt, the old leaves persist and it molts twice.
- In weak indoor light it stretches upward and splits easily.
Tips for growing Living stones
- In spring, hold off water while the old leaves shrivel and the new pair emerges.
- Use a fine, gritty mix in a fairly deep pot so the taproot can run.
- After the fall flowers the new leaves start forming, so do not let it dry out then.
These are AI-generated general guidelines. They vary with the variety, the placement and the pot size. For effects on pets or children, consult a veterinarian or a doctor.
Keep your plant log going
Greenery is a free app that keeps your plant care going, with watering reminders and photo records. Available on iOS and Android.
