Plant guide

Living stones.

Lithops lesliei

Pronounced LITH-ops LES-lee-eye

These fascinating succulents mimic pebbles to hide from hungry animals in their native South African home. They grow in pairs of thick, fleshy leaves that split to reveal new growth. You will love watching them bloom with daisy like flowers in the autumn.

At a glance

Care level: Moderate
Plant type: Succulent
Light: Full sun
Indoor light: Direct sun
Water: Every 14 to 30 days
Mature size: 2 to 5 centimeters
Growth rate: Slow

Care

Always let the soil dry out completely between waterings to prevent the leaves from rotting. Watch for the leaves to wrinkle slightly as a sign they need a drink. Avoid watering during the winter dormancy period to keep your plant healthy.

Watering: Water sparingly and only when the soil is bone dry.
Feeding: Use a low nitrogen succulent fertilizer during the active growing season.
Pruning: Only remove dead or shriveled leaves once they have completely dried up.
Repotting: Repot only when the plant has completely filled its container.
Soil: Well draining cactus mix with extra grit
Soil pH: 6.0 to 7.5

Safety

Pets: Lithops are generally considered non toxic to cats and dogs.

How to identify it

Two thick stone like leaves
Top surface features intricate patterns
Small daisy like yellow flowers
Deep taproot system
Dormant during hot summer months

Science

Family: Aizoaceae
Genus: Lithops
Order: Caryophyllales
Class: Magnoliopsida

Taxonomy resolved against GBIF.

Is your living stones looking unwell?

This page is a general guide. Pocket Botanist diagnoses problems from a photo of your actual plant, works out watering for your light and conditions, and reminds you when care is due.

Get the app

This guide was generated with AI and checked against GBIF taxonomy. It is general information, not horticultural or veterinary advice. Read about how we build these guides.