Living stones are among the succulents, which also include thickleaf. Unlike this one, however, they resemble less a plant than a pebble, from which they can hardly be distinguished, at least at first glance.
How do I properly care for living stones?
Living stones require well-drained succulent substrate, a bright location without blazing midday sun, sparing watering and cooler temperatures in winter. Young plants require a little more water; Fertilize cautiously once a month.
Planting living stones correctly
Do not place living stones in normal potting soil, this is not well suited for succulents. It is better to use special succulent substrate or mix soil with sand, as is also common with thick-leaf plants.
Choose a slightly deeper pot and not a shallow bowl, as the living stones have taproots that grow deeper. Plant the living stones outdoors in a place that is protected from rain and the blazing midday sun.
Water and fertilize living stones correctly
Living stones should only be watered a little and excess water must be able to drain away. In high heat they should be kept dry. Young plants need a little more water than old plants.
Wintering living stones properly
Living stones should not overwinter in the heated living room, it is too warm there. The winter quarters should be bright and cool, around 5°C to 10°C. The cooler it is in the winter quarters, the less often you water your living stones. Most of the time it is enough to water them every three to five weeks. Fertilizer is not necessary throughout the winter.
Propagate living stones
If you would like to have more living stones, you can propagate the existing ones by dividing them or with the help of seeds from specialist retailers. However, living stones grown from seeds take a few years to bloom for the first time.
Sowing is possible indoors all year round. Sowing outdoors in spring or autumn is recommended. At a temperature of around 15 °C to 20 °C, the seeds germinate after around 5 to 20 days.
The most important things in brief:
- easy care
- not hardy
- warm bright location
- Protect from waterlogging and blazing midday sun
- water little, young plants a little more
- fertilize sparingly once a month
Tip
If you love the unusual, then plant living stones in your garden.
