Living Stone

Living stones need very little water compared to other succulents. During the fall and winter, it’s best to limit water to about once a month, with a thorough soaking. In the spring and summer, water a bit more often. Make sure the soil is completely dry in between waterings. This is especially important as overwatering can easily lead to root rot.

Living stones are sun-loving plants and should be placed in a spot that receives at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight each day. When the amount of sunlight is decreased, their colors will fade and the leaves will grow thinner. When grown indoors, place them near a south-facing window and make sure to rotate the pot from time to time so all sides of the plant can have access to the sun.

Living stones require warm temperatures, between 50-90 degrees Fahrenheit (10-32 degrees Celsius) for optimum growth. When the ambient temperature drops below 50 degrees Fahrenheit (10°C) the plant should not be watered. In winter, temperatures can dip to 45 degrees Fahrenheit (7°C), and may be tolerated briefly, but should not happen too frequently or the plant will suffer.

This plant prefers to grow in low humidity environments with moderate air circulation. They are, however, tolerant of high humidity provided there isn’t a lot of draught or air movement. To ensure that your living stones are happy, you can mist them lightly with water from time to time.

Living stones thrive with well-draining soil. Use a substrate with equal parts of coarse sand, perlite or vermiculite with some compost or peat mixed in to provide additional nutrients. This type of soil will retain enough moisture while allowing free drainage so that the roots don’t rot.

To ensure optimal growth, Living Stones should be fertilized once every few months during the spring and summer. The most suitable fertilizer to use is a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer with an N-P-K ratio of 6-6-6 or 8-8-8. When adding fertilizer to the soil, mix it in thoroughly and avoid getting directly on the plant.

Living stones are fairly resistant to pests but they are not immune. Common pests that attack them are spider mites, mealy bugs, and scale insects. To treat a living stone infested with any of these pests, spray the plant with a mixture of rubbing alcohol and water at the same proportions as a homemade hand sanitizer. You can also use insecticidal soap, neem oil, or a systemic insecticide such as Malathion. Make sure to also treat its surroundings in case there are eggs present that might hatch the following weeks.

Un-like most other succulents, Living Stones don't need to be repotted very often. In general, it should be repotted every two to three years during spring just before its active growing season. The best potting medium for Lithops is a well-draining potting mix with equal parts of coarse sand, perlite, or vermiculite.

Because of their slow growth, Living Stones do not require pruning. If you need to trim dead leaves or stems, use a sharp knife and sterilize it in between trims. Be sure to handle the plant carefully and not to break any of its delicate leaves or stems.

Living stones don’t need mulch to survive, however, it can provide additional protection from extreme temperatures and keep the roots cool in summer months. The best type of mulch to use for Lithops is a layer of fine gravel or sand.

Propagating Living Stones is done through the division of clumps or by seed. To divide a clump, carefully separate the single-leaf plants and pot them up in separate containers using a well-draining potting mix. For propagation through seed, make sure to use fresh, freshly-harvested seeds. Fill an appropriate size container with the soil mix mentioned above. Plant the seeds about 1/8 of an inch deep and keep them moist using a mister. When done properly, Living Stone plants should propagate in three to six months.

Living stones typically don’t require a stake or support as they stay fairly low to the ground. However, if the plant does grow taller and needs to be supported, use a stake for support and then place a thin fabric around the base of the stem to keep it steady.

Easily one of the most unique features of Living Stones is their dormancy period before flowering. This dormancy period lasts about three weeks during the middle of winter (November through January). During this time, the plant should not be watered and should be kept away from direct sunlight.

Living stones are not poisonous to pets, however, they may cause an upset stomach if ingested. If a pet has consumed a Living Stone, contact your veterinarian immediately.