Butterfly Living Stone
lithops fulviceps
Also known as: ["Butterfly Stone Flower","Butterfly Pebble Plant"]
Overview
A small, succulent plant native to South Africa, resembling small stones with translucent 'windows' on top.
Benefits & Perks
["rare/collector’s item","drought tolerant","low maintenance"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Magnoliophyta |
| Class: | Magnoliopsida |
| Order: | Caryophyllales |
| Family: | Aizoaceae |
| Genus: | Lithops |
| Botanical Name: | Lithops fulviceps |
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: Well-draining cactus or succulent mix with added perlite or coarse sand.
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: very low
- Toughness Level: high
- Pruning Frequency: As needed, typically annually or when dead leaves accumulate.
- Pruning Intensity: Light to moderate; avoid heavy pruning unless necessary.
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Bright indirect light 4–6 hours/day; direct morning sun is tolerated; avoid harsh afternoon sun, especially in summer.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate slowly to direct sun; provide shade during peak summer heat; for indoor plants, place near south-facing window with sheer curtain.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
moderatemoderate
Sunlight
full sun to partial shade
Rotate plant weekly for even light; use sheer curtains to filter intense sun; avoid direct afternoon sun in summer.
Watering
every 2–4 weeks during active growing season, none during dormancy
Water deeply but infrequently; avoid water during dormancy; ensure excellent drainage to prevent rot.
Soil
fast-draining, sandy or gritty mix
pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0–7.0).
Use pots with drainage holes; avoid peat-heavy soils; ensure soil dries quickly between waterings.
Temperature
Ideal range 50–75°F (10–24°C); tolerates mild frost but prefers moderate temperatures; avoid extreme heat or cold.
Avoid sudden temperature shifts; protect from frost; provide shade in summer heat; maintain moderate temperatures.
Fertilizing
rarely required, if used then monthly with diluted cactus fertilizer during active growth
Fertilize only during active growth; dilute fertilizer to prevent burn; avoid feeding in summer/winter.
Propagation
Methods
Stem or leaf cuttings; division of offsets is also effective.
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Select healthy leaf/stem.
- Let cut end dry for a few days.
- Plant in medium.
- Keep moist but not waterlogged.
- Wait for roots.
Best Time: Spring or autumn when plant is actively growing.
Environment
Warm (65–75°F), high humidity (50–70%), indirect light.
Medium
Well-draining mix of cactus soil and perlite (1:1); can also use pure sand or vermiculite.
Hormone
Optional but recommended for faster rooting.
Timeline
Leaf cuttings may take 1–3 months to root; offsets establish in 4–6 weeks.
Tools Needed
Sharp knife, rooting hormone, small pots, well-draining medium.
Quick Tips
Allow cuttings to callous before planting; use bottom heat to speed rooting; maintain humidity with a propagator.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Carefully remove dead leaves by hand or with small scissors; trim stems just above a leaf junction.
Pruning Plan
Minimal pruning; remove dead or damaged leaves; shape as needed to maintain form.
Tools
Small scissors, tweezers, or fingers for careful removal.
Checklist
Wear gloves; sterilize tools; prune dead/damaged parts; avoid cutting healthy tissue.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Spring, just before active growth begins.
Pot Size
Increase pot size by 1–2 inches (2–5 cm); ensure pot has drainage holes.
Method
Gently remove plant; trim dead roots; repot in fresh cactus mix with improved drainage; water lightly after repotting.
Suggestions
Repot every 2–3 years or when roots fill the pot; only repot if necessary to avoid disturbance.
Checklist
Use fresh soil; ensure good drainage; handle roots gently; water sparingly 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 root zone, ensuring even saturation; allow water to drain freely from the bottom; water in the morning to minimize fungal risk; avoid wetting the leaves or the plant body.
Watering Schedule Tips
Water sparingly during active growing season (spring/autumn), avoiding water in dormant summer/winter periods; soak soil thoroughly when watering, allowing it to dry completely between sessions.
Soil Improvement
Add coarse sand, perlite, or pumice to commercial cactus mix; ensure soil is loose and airy.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Chlorosis or shriveling in cold; sunburn or bleaching in excessive heat; slow growth or bud drop in stress.
Cold Stress
Low temperatures slow metabolism; prolonged cold can cause root rot or tissue damage; frost can be lethal.
Solution: Move to warmer location; insulate pot with bubble wrap; avoid watering during cold spells; provide gentle bottom heat if needed.
Hot Stress
Excessive heat can cause dehydration, sunburn, or bleaching; may lead to premature leaf shedding.
Solution: Provide shade during peak heat; increase humidity with pebble tray; water early morning or late evening; ensure good air circulation.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Use diluted fertilizer; apply to moist soil; fertilize only in spring/autumn; avoid dormant periods.
Fertilizing Method
Use diluted cactus fertilizer (quarter strength) once in spring; avoid fertilizing during dormancy; apply to moist soil.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
Non-toxicLithops fulviceps is not known to be toxic to cats. The plant does not produce any known compounds that are harmful to felines.
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Dogs
Non-toxicLithops fulviceps is not known to be toxic to dogs. There are no documented cases of adverse effects from ingestion or contact with this plant.
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Humans
Non-toxicLithops fulviceps is not known to exhibit any toxic effects in humans. The plant is generally considered safe for handling and consumption, though it is not typically consumed due to its small size and lack of culinary value.
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How often should I water Lithops fulviceps?
A: Water sparingly, only when the plant is actively growing (usually after flowering), and allow the soil to dry completely between waterings.
Q: Why are my Lithops turning yellow?
A: Overwatering or incorrect soil mix can cause yellowing; ensure well-draining soil and reduce watering frequency.
Q: Do Lithops need direct sunlight?
A: Yes, they thrive in bright, direct sunlight, mimicking their natural arid habitat.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Aizoaceae |
| Care: | moderate |
| Light: | full sun to partial shade |
| Water: | every 2–4 weeks during activ |
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