How to grow living stone
Overview
Lithops leslei is a dwarf succulent that mimics small stones, with a single pair of fleshy leaves and a central fissure from which daisy-like flowers emerge in autumn. It is grown for its unusual form and seasonal colour, and requires extremely dry conditions to avoid rot.
Varieties
- Lithops lesliei 'Albinica' — White-flowered form, popular in Australian collections for its clean contrast against the grey-green body.
- Lithops lesliei 'Venteri' — Larger-bodied variety with a distinctive brownish top pattern, often sold in mixed succulent packs.
Soil Preparation
Use a mineral-based mix with 70–80% coarse sand, pumice, or perlite and 20–30% low-nutrient potting compost. pH should be neutral to slightly alkaline (6.5–7.5). Avoid any soil that holds moisture; add extra grit if in doubt.
Growing Guide
Position in bright part-shade with protection from hot afternoon sun. Use a very free-draining gritty mix of coarse sand, pumice, and minimal organic matter. Plant with the leaf tops level with the soil surface. Space individual plants 5–10 cm apart in small pots or shallow trays. Water only when the leaves show slight wrinkling, and stop completely in summer dormancy.
Sowing
Sow seed on surface of fine gritty mix, barely cover with sand. Keep at 20–25°C with bright indirect light and mist lightly. Germination takes 1–3 weeks. Seedlings need careful watering for the first year; do not transplant until the second leaf pair appears.
Care
Feed once in early spring with a dilute cactus fertiliser at quarter strength. No pruning needed; remove old leaves only when fully dry and papery. Repot every 2–3 years in fresh gritty mix to prevent soil compaction and root suffocation.
Companion Planting
Good collector pot plant. Pair with other mimicry succulents like Conophytum or Pleiospilos, or with small haworthias. Avoid mixing with fast-growing or water-hungry plants that will overspill or keep soil moist.
Common Pests & Risks
Rot from overwatering is the main killer; use a porous mix and water only when leaves wrinkle. Fungus gnats appear if soil stays damp; let the pot dry out between waterings. Mealybugs can hide in leaf fissures; treat with a dab of isopropyl alcohol on a brush.
Troubleshooting
Leaves split or burst: too much water in winter; stop watering until the new leaf pair emerges. Leaves stay wrinkled after watering: roots damaged or pot-bound; check for rot and repot. Body goes soft and mushy: overwatering or poor drainage; remove and let the healthy part callous. No flowers: not enough winter chill or too much water during rest; give a cool dry period. Leaves elongate and lose shape: too little light; move to brighter spot.