Living Stone
lithops pseudotruncatella
Also known as: ["Living Stone","Stone Flower","Split Rock"]
Overview
A small, succulent plant that resembles a pebble or stone, native to arid regions of southern Africa.
Benefits & Perks
["drought tolerant","rare/collector’s item","aesthetic foliage"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Magnoliophyta |
| Class: | Magnoliopsida |
| Order: | Caryophyllales |
| Family: | Aizoaceae |
| Genus: | Lithops |
| Botanical Name: | Lithops pseudotruncatella |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Succulents & Cacti
- Suitable Location: indoor pot with excellent drainage or rock garden
- Suitable For:
- Is Weed: No
- Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
- Climate: {"temperatureRange":"5–35°C"}
- Hardiness: {"zones":"10–12"}
- Misting: rarely required, only if ambient humidity is very low
- Drainage: Fast-draining to prevent waterlogging.
- Soil Type: Sandy, well-draining cactus or succulent mix with added perlite or pumice.
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: very low
- Toughness Level: high
- Pruning Frequency: As needed, typically once a year or when overcrowding occurs.
- Pruning Intensity: Light to moderate, depending on plant condition.
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Bright indirect light or several hours of direct morning sun (4–6 hours). Adjust to avoid intense midday sun, especially in summer.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate slowly to direct sun to prevent scorching. Indoors, place near a south-facing window with sheer curtains. Outdoors, provide dappled shade during peak sun.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
moderatemoderate
Sunlight
full sun to partial shade
Rotate plant for even light exposure; avoid harsh afternoon sun; provide filtered light in summer.
Watering
every 2–4 weeks during active growing season, sparingly in winter
Water deeply but infrequently; allow soil to dry completely between waterings; water during active growth only.
Soil
fast-draining, sandy, rocky soil mix
pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0–7.0).
Ensure soil dries quickly; avoid peat-heavy mixes; use pots with drainage holes.
Temperature
Prefers warm temperatures (65–80°F or 18–27°C) during active growth. Tolerates mild fluctuations but dislikes extreme heat or cold.
Avoid sudden temperature changes; protect from frost; provide shade in extreme heat.
Fertilizing
rarely required, if used then every 3 months with diluted cactus fertilizer
Avoid over-fertilizing; use a balanced, low-nitrogen fertilizer; fertilize only during growing season.
Propagation
Methods
Stem or leaf cuttings; division of offsets (most common).
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Select healthy leaf or offset.
- Allow cut end to callous for a few days.
- Plant in dry soil.
- Water sparingly after roots form.
Best Time: Spring, when the plant is actively growing.
Environment
Warm, humid environment with bright indirect light and good air circulation.
Medium
Well-draining mix of cactus soil and perlite or sand.
Hormone
Optional, but rooting hormone can speed up the process.
Timeline
Leaf cuttings may take 1–3 months to root; offsets establish within a few weeks.
Tools Needed
Sharp knife or scissors, rooting hormone (optional), small pots, well-draining soil mix.
Quick Tips
Do not overwater cuttings; provide bottom heat for faster rooting; use offsets for quicker results.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Carefully remove dead or damaged leaves by hand or with small scissors. Avoid cutting into healthy tissue.
Pruning Plan
Minimal pruning needed. Focus on removing dead or damaged leaves and occasional thinning of dense clusters.
Tools
Small scissors or tweezers, gloves (optional).
Checklist
Remove dead leaves; thin overcrowded clusters; avoid cutting healthy parts; clean tools before use.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Spring, during active growth.
Pot Size
One size up from current pot; ensure good drainage holes.
Method
Gently remove the plant; trim any dead roots; place in a slightly larger pot with fresh, well-draining soil; avoid watering for a week.
Suggestions
Repot only when necessary, such as when the plant outgrows its container or soil becomes depleted. Typically every 2–3 years.
Checklist
Use fresh soil mix; ensure pot has drainage; avoid overwatering after repotting; handle roots gently.
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Check soil dryness; water during growing season only; avoid wetting plant bodies; ensure good drainage.
How to Apply Water Properly
Water directly onto the soil surface, avoiding the plant's leaves or bodies. Ensure water penetrates the root zone deeply but does not pool. Water in the morning to allow excess moisture to evaporate.
Watering Schedule Tips
Water sparingly during active growing season (spring/early summer), mimicking infrequent rainfall in their native habitat. Avoid watering during dormancy (late summer to winter).
Soil Improvement
Add coarse sand, perlite, or pumice to commercial cactus mix to enhance drainage and aeration.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Sunken or shriveled bodies (cold stress); bleached or cracked skin (heat stress); delayed growth or flowering.
Cold Stress
Low temperatures slow metabolism and can cause water uptake issues, leading to shriveled bodies or rot if soil remains damp.
Solution: Move to a warmer location; ensure soil is completely dry; protect from drafts or sudden temperature drops.
Hot Stress
Excessive heat can cause sunburn, dehydration, or premature dormancy, leading to bleaching or splitting of the plant bodies.
Solution: Provide shade during peak heat; increase air circulation; ensure soil remains dry to prevent heat-related rot.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Use diluted fertilizer; apply during spring; avoid during dormancy; do not fertilize newly propagated plants.
Fertilizing Method
Generally not required. If fertilizing, use a diluted cactus fertilizer (half strength) once during active growth in spring.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
Non-toxicLithops pseudotruncatella is not considered toxic to cats. The plant does not contain any known substances harmful to felines.
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Dogs
Non-toxicLithops pseudotruncatella is not considered toxic to dogs. The plant does not produce any known compounds harmful to canines.
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Humans
Non-toxicLithops pseudotruncatella is not considered toxic to humans. The plant has no known adverse physiological effects when ingested in small quantities.
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How often should I water Lithops pseudotruncatella?
A: Water sparingly, only when the plant is actively growing (typically after a dry period), and allow the soil to dry completely between waterings.
Q: Why are my Lithops turning yellow?
A: Yellowing may indicate overwatering or insufficient sunlight. Ensure proper drainage and provide bright, indirect light.
Q: Can Lithops pseudotruncatella be grown indoors?
A: Yes, it thrives indoors in bright, indirect light with minimal watering and well-draining soil.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Aizoaceae |
| Care: | moderate |
| Light: | full sun to partial shade |
| Water: | every 2–4 weeks during activ |
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