Troubleshooting
Dorothy's Living Stones problems — and how to fix them
Dorothy's Living Stones (Lithops dorotheae) is generally forgiving once you match its basics, but a few issues come up again and again. Here is what each one looks like, why it happens, and the fix.
Rot from off-season watering
Watering during summer or winter dormancy almost always leads to fatal rot starting at the base. Maintain a strict dry period from November through July and resist the urge to water a shrivelling plant — shrivelling during dormancy is normal and healthy.
Multiple leaf pairs forming
If the old leaf pair does not shrive completely and two or more new pairs attempt to emerge, the plant may have been watered too early or too much. Withhold water immediately and allow the old leaves to collapse fully.
Pale or washed-out patterning
Caused by insufficient light. L. dorotheae's intricate brown-and-cream windowing requires direct sun to express fully. Move to a brighter position.
Prevent dorothy's living stones problems before they start
Most dorothy's living stones issues are care-mismatch, not bad luck. Dial in the basics:
- Common dorothy's living stone problems — the species this cultivar belongs to
- What's wrong with my plant? — the diagnosis apps compared
- Dorothy's Living Stones watering schedule
- Dorothy's Living Stones light requirements
- Best soil mix for dorothy's living stones
- Dorothy's Living Stones temperature & humidity
- Full dorothy's living stones care guide
Looking for dorothy's living stones in general rather than its problems? Read the full dorothy's living stones care guide — light, water, soil and feeding.
Dorothy's Living Stones problems — FAQ
Why is my dorothy's living stones rot from off-season watering?
Watering during summer or winter dormancy almost always leads to fatal rot starting at the base. Maintain a strict dry period from November through July and resist the urge to water a shrivelling plant — shrivelling during dormancy is normal and healthy.
Why is my dorothy's living stones multiple leaf pairs forming?
If the old leaf pair does not shrive completely and two or more new pairs attempt to emerge, the plant may have been watered too early or too much. Withhold water immediately and allow the old leaves to collapse fully.
Why is my dorothy's living stones pale or washed-out patterning?
Caused by insufficient light. L. dorotheae's intricate brown-and-cream windowing requires direct sun to express fully. Move to a brighter position.