Living stones care: watering, light and repotting
Also called pebble plant, stone plant · Lithops · Aizoaceae family
90 d in winter
How often to water the living stones?
Allow about 21 days between waterings in spring and summer, and 90 days in autumn and winter, when growth slows down. These rhythms apply to a room with its favourite light: in a darker room the plant drinks less; in a brighter one, it drinks more.
Don't water at all in winter, nor while the new leaves are replacing the old ones. In summer, a light watering every three weeks is enough.
What light does it need?
The living stones loves the sun: a south- or west-facing window suits it, ideally less than 3 ft (1 m) from the glass. Without enough light, the stems stretch and growth slows down.
Repotting and fertiliser
Repot every 4 years, ideally in April, into a pot only slightly bigger than the last one. As for fertiliser, in June, feeding every 2 months is enough; the rest of the year, let it rest.
Adult size: 1–1.5 in (2–4 cm).
Safe for cats and dogs, according to the ASPCA.
Common problems
Plant splitting or rotting
Cause: Too much water. What to do: Stop watering: when in doubt, don't water.
Plant stretching
Cause: Not enough sun. What to do: Put it in full sun, behind a south-facing window.
Frequently asked questions
How often should you water the living stones?
About every 3 weeks in spring and summer, and every 3 months in autumn and winter, in a room with its favourite light. The darker the room, the longer you wait between waterings. Before watering, check that the top inch of soil has dried.
Where should you put the living stones?
The living stones loves the sun: a south- or west-facing window suits it, ideally less than 3 ft (1 m) from the glass. Without enough light, the stems stretch and growth slows down.
Should you mist the living stones?
There's no need: indoor air suits it. Wetting its leaves for no reason can even encourage disease.
When should you repot the living stones?
Every 4 years, ideally in April, or sooner if roots come out of the drainage hole. Choose a pot only slightly bigger, 1 to 1.5 in (2 to 4 cm) wider, always with a hole in the bottom.
Cats, dogs, children: is the living stones safe?
The living stones is listed as non-toxic to cats and dogs by the ASPCA. A pet that eats a lot of it may still vomit, so it's best not to let it nibble.
Is it an easy plant to care for?
Rather for experienced growers: it's demanding about watering, light or humidity. Some experience helps.
These are guidelines for an indoor plant in a temperate climate. Trust the soil too: a finger pushed an inch into it will tell you whether it's thirsty.