Troubleshooting
Dinter's Living Stone problems — and how to fix them
Dinter's Living Stone (Lithops dinteri) 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
Usually fatal. Caused by watering during the leaf-renewal rest. Stop all water from mid-autumn until the new leaf pair fully replaces the old.
Elongated, pale leaves
Etiolation from insufficient direct sunlight. Move to a south-facing window immediately.
Leaf splitting
Caused by excess water or fertiliser. Allow to dry completely and withhold feeding.
Failure to flower
May be due to a plant that is too young (under 2-3 years old) or insufficient summer sun. Ensure maximum direct light exposure.
Fungus gnats
Attracted by excessive organic content in the medium. Switch to a more mineral-dominant mix and allow the surface to stay dry.
Prevent dinter's living stone problems before they start
Most dinter's living stone issues are care-mismatch, not bad luck. Dial in the basics:
Dinter's Living Stone problems — FAQ
Why is my dinter's living stone rot?
Usually fatal. Caused by watering during the leaf-renewal rest. Stop all water from mid-autumn until the new leaf pair fully replaces the old.
Why is my dinter's living stone elongated, pale leaves?
Etiolation from insufficient direct sunlight. Move to a south-facing window immediately.
Why is my dinter's living stone leaf splitting?
Caused by excess water or fertiliser. Allow to dry completely and withhold feeding.
Why is my dinter's living stone failure to flower?
May be due to a plant that is too young (under 2-3 years old) or insufficient summer sun. Ensure maximum direct light exposure.
Why is my dinter's living stone fungus gnats?
Attracted by excessive organic content in the medium. Switch to a more mineral-dominant mix and allow the surface to stay dry.