Troubleshooting
Compton's Living Stone problems — and how to fix them
Compton's Living Stone (Lithops comptonii) 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 incorrect watering
Watering during the autumn-winter leaf renewal rest is the primary cause of plant death. Adhere strictly to the dry-rest calendar.
Etiolation in low light
Plants stretch toward light if not given enough direct sun. Relocate to a brighter, south-facing position.
Double leaf layers
Persistent watering during the rest causes the old pair to fail to shrivel, leaving both pairs intact. The plant is stressed; stop all water immediately.
Mealybugs
May nest at the plant base. Apply isopropyl alcohol at the base with a cotton bud, taking care not to wet leaf surfaces.
Root loss over winter
Lithops can shed most of their roots in dormancy — this is normal. Fresh roots emerge with the new leaf pair in spring.
Prevent compton's living stone problems before they start
Most compton's living stone issues are care-mismatch, not bad luck. Dial in the basics:
Compton's Living Stone problems — FAQ
Why is my compton's living stone rot from incorrect watering?
Watering during the autumn-winter leaf renewal rest is the primary cause of plant death. Adhere strictly to the dry-rest calendar.
Why is my compton's living stone etiolation in low light?
Plants stretch toward light if not given enough direct sun. Relocate to a brighter, south-facing position.
Why is my compton's living stone double leaf layers?
Persistent watering during the rest causes the old pair to fail to shrivel, leaving both pairs intact. The plant is stressed; stop all water immediately.
Why is my compton's living stone mealybugs?
May nest at the plant base. Apply isopropyl alcohol at the base with a cotton bud, taking care not to wet leaf surfaces.
Why is my compton's living stone root loss over winter?
Lithops can shed most of their roots in dormancy — this is normal. Fresh roots emerge with the new leaf pair in spring.