Pleiospilos care requirements
Quick answer
For Pleiospilos, care requirements come down to this: Pleiospilos (Winter type), commonly called 'living stones' or 'split rocks,' are South African succulents that have evolved to mimic the pebbles among which they grow. Unlike Lithops with their fused leaf pair, Pleiospilos have 2-4 pairs of opposite leaves with a distinct cleft between each pair, resembling a split rock. The genus name means 'many spots.' They store water in their leaves and can survive years without rain in habitat by contracting into the soil. Each leaf pair produces a new body biennially, with the old pair being absorbed.
Start here:
- 1. Water only in autumn when new growth is visible — usually September-October
- 2. Keep nearly or completely dry in spring and summer — this mimics natural drought cycle
What care requirements mean for Pleiospilos
Pleiospilos (Winter type), commonly called 'living stones' or 'split rocks,' are South African succulents that have evolved to mimic the pebbles among which they grow. Unlike Lithops with their fused leaf pair, Pleiospilos have 2-4 pairs of opposite leaves with a distinct cleft between each pair, resembling a split rock. The genus name means 'many spots.' They store water in their leaves and can survive years without rain in habitat by contracting into the soil. Each leaf pair produces a new body biennially, with the old pair being absorbed.
How to meet Pleiospilos care requirements
- 1
Water only in autumn when new growth is visible — usually September-October
- 2
Keep nearly or completely dry in spring and summer — this mimics natural drought cycle
- 3
Use 90%+ inorganic gritty mix for excellent drainage
- 4
Position in bright light but protected from intense afternoon sun
- 5
New leaf pair emerges from center, old outer leaves should dry and be removed
Keeping Pleiospilos in range
Water only in autumn/winter; keep completely dry in spring/summer; use extremely gritty soil.