Fossil Plant, Living Stone
lithops marmorata
Also known as: ["Living Stone","Fossil Plant"]
Overview
A small, succulent plant native to southern Africa, resembling a small stone or pebble 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 marmorata |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Succulents & Cacti
- Suitable Location: indoor pot with bright light or outdoor in 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: Succulent/cactus mix with added sand or perlite for excellent drainage.
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: very low
- Toughness Level: high
- Pruning Frequency: As needed, typically annually or when dead leaves are present.
- Pruning Intensity: Light pruning; only remove damaged or discolored parts.
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Bright indirect light or direct morning sun (4–6 hours/day); reduce direct sun in summer to prevent scorching.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate slowly to intense light; provide shade during peak summer hours; place indoors near south-facing window with filtered light if outdoors is too harsh.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
moderatemoderate
Sunlight
full sun to partial shade
Rotate plant weekly for even light exposure; use sheer curtains to diffuse intense sun; avoid sudden light changes.
Watering
every 2–4 weeks during growing season, none in dormant winter months
Water deeply but infrequently; avoid water during dormancy; ensure excellent drainage to prevent rot.
Soil
fast-draining, sandy, or gritty soil mix
pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0–7.0).
Use gritty soil mix; avoid peat-heavy soils; ensure pots have drainage holes.
Temperature
Moderate temperatures (50–75°F or 10–24°C); cooler in winter (40–50°F or 4–10°C) to induce dormancy.
Protect from frost; avoid sudden temperature swings; maintain consistent temperatures during active growth.
Fertilizing
rarely needed, if used then every 3 months with diluted cactus fertilizer
Fertilize only during active growth; dilute fertilizer to prevent salt buildup; avoid fertilizing when soil is dry.
Propagation
Methods
Stem or leaf cuttings; division of offsets (most reliable method).
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Select healthy leaf or offset.
- Let cut end dry for a few days.
- Plant in well-draining medium.
- Keep moist and warm.
Best Time: Spring or autumn when temperatures are mild and the plant is actively growing.
Environment
Warm (65–75°F or 18–24°C), bright indirect light, high humidity (covered with plastic or glass).
Medium
Succulent/cactus mix with added perlite for drainage.
Hormone
Optional, but rooting hormone can speed up the process.
Timeline
Leaf cuttings may take 1–3 months to root; offsets establish within 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 success.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Carefully twist off dead leaves or use sterilized scissors to cut them away.
Pruning Plan
Minimal pruning; focus on removing dead or damaged leaves to maintain appearance and health.
Tools
Sterilized small scissors or tweezers.
Checklist
Sterilize tools; remove only dead/damaged parts; avoid cutting healthy tissue; clean up debris.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Spring, just before active growth begins.
Pot Size
Use a pot only slightly larger than the current one (1–2 inches wider).
Method
Carefully remove plant; trim any dead roots; replace with fresh, well-draining soil; do not water for a week after repotting.
Suggestions
Repot only when necessary (e.g., outgrowing pot or soil degradation); Lithops prefer being slightly root-bound.
Checklist
Use well-draining soil; handle roots gently; avoid overpotting; delay watering after repotting.
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Check soil dryness; water deeply; ensure drainage; avoid water during dormancy; water in morning.
How to Apply Water Properly
Water directly into the soil at the base, avoiding the plant's leaves or body; ensure water penetrates the root zone; allow excess water to drain away completely; water in the morning to prevent fungal growth.
Watering Schedule Tips
Water sparingly during active growing season (spring/autumn), avoiding water in dormant summer/winter months; soak soil thoroughly when watering, allowing it to dry completely between sessions.
Soil Improvement
Add coarse sand, perlite, or pumice to commercial potting mix; ensure large particle size for aeration.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Sunken, wrinkled appearance (cold stress); shriveled or discolored leaves (heat stress); slow growth or bud drop.
Cold Stress
Low temperatures slow metabolism and cause water uptake issues, leading to shriveled leaves and potential rot.
Solution: Move to a warmer location; avoid cold drafts; reduce watering during cold periods; provide gentle bottom heat if necessary.
Hot Stress
Excessive heat can cause dehydration, sunburn, and premature leaf shedding, especially if combined with intense light.
Solution: Provide shade during peak heat; increase air circulation; mist lightly (avoiding leaves) if humidity is very low; reduce watering frequency.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Use diluted fertilizer; apply during spring; avoid dormant periods; water before fertilizing.
Fertilizing Method
Use a diluted cactus fertilizer (half strength) once during spring; avoid fertilizing in summer/winter dormancy.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
Non-toxicLithops marmorata is not toxic to cats. There are no known adverse effects associated with ingestion of this plant by felines.
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Dogs
Non-toxicLithops marmorata is not toxic to dogs. There are no known adverse effects associated with ingestion of this plant by canines.
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Humans
Non-toxicLithops marmorata is not known to have any toxic effects on humans. It is generally considered safe for ingestion, though it is not typically consumed as it has no culinary value.
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How often should I water Lithops marmorata?
A: Water sparingly, only when the plant is actively growing (typically after a dry period) and the leaves are shriveled.
Q: Why are my Lithops turning yellow?
A: Overwatering is the most common cause. Ensure the soil is well-draining and allow the plant to dry out between waterings.
Q: Can Lithops marmorata be grown indoors?
A: Yes, it thrives 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 growi |
Get Expert Care Tips
Download the Plantious app for personalized care reminders and plant identification!
Google Play App Store
