Living Stones (Lithops Fulleri): Plant Care and Growing Guide – House Plants Expert

Known as living stones, this decorative plant is unique and eye catching. The Lithops fulleri is simple to look after, and suitable for home gardeners of all levels.

Description

Lithops fulleri are also known as living stones and they are a member of the Aizoaceae succulent plant family.

They are native to South Africa. The species is extremely distinct with its creamy, gray color. A near stemless plant that grows beautiful leaves during summer and autumn.

A relatively easy plant to grow due to its ability to handle a wide spectrum of temperatures.

Foliage: The foliage is cone shaped with an elliptic outline that grows to around 25mm high with a width of up to 30mm. It divides itself into two conjunct lobes.

Flowering: The plant flowers during the summer months and into fall where a white flower that is similar to a daisy grows from the fissure.

Displaying: Ideally, the plant prefers a position that will give it as much sunlight as possible. Therefore, placing it in a south or west facing position will ensure that it gets the exposure it needs. However, it is important to remember that the plant will not thrive in a cold drafty environment.

Care level: The Lithops fulleri is a tough plant due to the location from which it originates and this makes it relatively easy to care for.

It does not need regular watering and during the winter months it does not require watering at all although it does no harm to water it every few weeks.

Facts

Lithops fulleri Care

Potential Problems

A number of insects are attracted to the Lithop Fulleri although plants that have been maintained correctly are likely to remain pest free. This is particularly true if it is grown using a mineral potting mix with the correct exposure and airflow.

• Mealy bugs – These can often develop on new leaves and flowers causing the plant to become disfigured.
• Sciara Flies – These tend to target seedlings but this can be prevented by mulching seedlings using a layer of grit.
• Rot – If the plant is watered correctly and has the correct air circulation then rot can be prevented. Overwatering especially in cold conditions is the worst offender.

Elyssa Goins

Elyssa Goins is an experienced house plant hobbyist who maintains over a hundred plants. She is a gardener, beekeeper, and a proud mother of four.  She is a member of the American Horticultural Society, has a published study in the National Social Science Association, and loves to talk about her love of plants.  For the past twenty years, she’s been all about growing and caring for various fruits, veggies, herbs, livestock, kids, and houseplants. Managing a big garden to feed four growing kids and raising dairy goats has taught her so much about being an excellent plant parent and now is her time to share with you.