Living Stone
lithops aucampiae
Also known as: ["Living Stone Plant","Stone Flower"]
Overview
A small, succulent plant native to southern Africa, resembling pebbles to avoid predation.
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 aucampiae |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Succulents & Cacti
- Suitable Location: indoor pot with excellent drainage or outdoor in a 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 mix with added perlite or pumice for aeration.
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: very low
- Toughness Level: high
- Pruning Frequency: As needed, typically once a year or when dead leaves are visible.
- Pruning Intensity: Light pruning; only remove dead or discolored leaves.
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Bright indirect light for 4–6 hours daily; direct morning sun is tolerated but avoid harsh afternoon sun, especially in summer.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate slowly to direct sun to prevent scorching; place in a spot with filtered light during peak summer; move indoors if outdoor conditions become too intense.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
moderatemoderate
Sunlight
full sun to partial shade
Rotate plant weekly for even growth; provide shade during hottest part of day; avoid direct afternoon sun in summer.
Watering
every 2–4 weeks during active growing season, none during dormancy
Water deeply but infrequently; ensure soil dries completely between waterings; water only when the plant is actively growing.
Soil
fast-draining, sandy, or gritty soil mix
pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0–7.0).
Use a mix with large particle size for aeration; ensure soil dries quickly after watering; avoid peat-based soils.
Temperature
Ideal range 50–75°F (10–24°C); prefers cooler temperatures during dormancy; sensitive to extreme heat and frost.
Protect from frost; avoid sudden temperature fluctuations; maintain consistent temperatures during active growth.
Fertilizing
rarely required, if used then every 3 months with diluted cactus fertilizer
Fertilize only during growing season; dilute fertilizer to prevent salt buildup; avoid contact with leaves.
Propagation
Methods
Stem cuttings or division of offsets;Offsets are the most reliable method for Lithops.
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Separate mature offset from parent plant.
- Allow cut end to callous for a few days.
- Plant in well-draining medium.
- Water sparingly until established.
Best Time: Spring, when the plant is actively growing and offsets are mature.
Environment
Warm (65–75°F), bright indirect light, high humidity (50–60%), and good air circulation.
Medium
Well-draining mix of cactus soil and perlite (1:1 ratio).
Hormone
Optional, but rooting hormone can speed up the process.
Timeline
Offsets may root in 2–4 weeks; new growth may take several months.
Tools Needed
Clean knife or scissors, rooting hormone (optional), well-draining soil mix, small pots.
Quick Tips
Use sterile tools to prevent infection; do not overwater new cuttings; provide bottom heat for faster rooting.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Carefully twist off dead leaves or use clean, sharp scissors to cut them away.
Pruning Plan
Minimal pruning required; focus on removing dead or damaged leaves to encourage new growth.
Tools
Clean, sharp scissors or small pruning shears.
Checklist
Use clean tools; remove only dead/damaged leaves; avoid cutting healthy tissue; allow wound to callous if necessary.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Spring, just before the growing season begins.
Pot Size
One size up from current pot; ensure the new pot has drainage holes.
Method
Gently remove plant from pot; trim any dead roots; repot in a slightly larger container with fresh, well-draining soil; water sparingly after repotting.
Suggestions
Repot only when the plant becomes root-bound or every 2–3 years; avoid frequent repotting as Lithops prefer crowded roots.
Checklist
Use well-draining soil; ensure pot has drainage holes; handle roots gently; water sparingly after repotting.
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Check soil dryness; water during growing season only; avoid overhead watering; ensure proper drainage.
How to Apply Water Properly
Water directly onto the soil surface, avoiding the plant's leaves; ensure water reaches the root zone; allow excess water to drain away completely; water in the morning to allow foliage to dry.
Watering Schedule Tips
Water sparingly during active growing season (spring/autumn), typically every 3–4 weeks; avoid watering during dormancy (summer/winter) to prevent rot.
Soil Improvement
Add coarse sand, perlite, or pumice to commercial cactus mix to enhance drainage; avoid organic matter that retains too much moisture.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Sunken, shriveled leaves (cold stress); bleached or white patches on leaves (heat/sunburn); stunted growth or bud drop.
Cold Stress
Low temperatures slow metabolic processes; prolonged cold can cause root rot and leaf damage; may lead to fungal infections.
Solution: Move to a warmer location; insulate pots with bubble wrap; avoid watering during cold spells; use a heat mat if necessary.
Hot Stress
Excessive heat causes dehydration; leads to sunburn and leaf bleaching; may trigger premature dormancy.
Solution: Provide shade during peak heat; increase humidity with misting; water early in the morning; move to a cooler location if possible.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Use diluted fertilizer; apply during spring only; ensure soil is moist; avoid contact with foliage.
Fertilizing Method
Use a diluted cactus fertilizer (half strength) once during spring; avoid fertilizing during dormancy; apply to moist soil to prevent root burn.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
Non-toxicLithops aucampiae is not known to be toxic to cats. The plant does not contain any known compounds that would cause toxicity in felines.
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Dogs
Non-toxicLithops aucampiae is not known to be toxic to dogs. The plant does not contain any known compounds that would cause toxicity in canines.
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Humans
Non-toxicLithops aucampiae is not known to produce any toxic compounds that would cause adverse effects in humans. The plant is generally considered safe for ingestion, though it is not typically consumed.
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How often should I water Lithops aucampiae?
A: Water sparingly, only when the plant is actively growing (usually after a dry period), and allow soil to dry completely between waterings.
Q: Why are my Lithops turning brown or shriveling?
A: This is often due to overwatering or incorrect soil mix. Ensure well-draining soil and adjust watering schedule.
Q: Can Lithops be grown indoors?
A: Yes, they thrive indoors in bright, indirect light with minimal watering.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Aizoaceae |
| Care: | moderate |
| Light: | full sun to partial shade |
| Water: | every 2–4 weeks during activ |
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