Troubleshooting
Franz's Living Stone problems — and how to fix them
Franz's Living Stone (Lithops francisci) 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 wet rest
The most common cause of death. Any moisture during the autumn-winter rest triggers fatal internal rot. Maintain a strict dry period.
Etiolation
Stretching toward light indicates insufficient direct sun. Move to the sunniest available position.
Double-body effect
Old pair fails to dry and is replaced with new pair alongside it — usually caused by premature watering in spring. Allow to dry; old pair will eventually shrivel.
Root loss in dormancy
Normal: Lithops shed most roots in the rest period and regenerate them in spring. Do not attempt to compensate by watering.
Scale insects
Occasionally appear at the soil surface. Remove manually and apply dilute insecticidal soap to the soil surface during the growing season only.
Prevent franz's living stone problems before they start
Most franz's living stone issues are care-mismatch, not bad luck. Dial in the basics:
Franz's Living Stone problems — FAQ
Why is my franz's living stone rot from wet rest?
The most common cause of death. Any moisture during the autumn-winter rest triggers fatal internal rot. Maintain a strict dry period.
Why is my franz's living stone etiolation?
Stretching toward light indicates insufficient direct sun. Move to the sunniest available position.
Why is my franz's living stone double-body effect?
Old pair fails to dry and is replaced with new pair alongside it — usually caused by premature watering in spring. Allow to dry; old pair will eventually shrivel.
Why is my franz's living stone root loss in dormancy?
Normal: Lithops shed most roots in the rest period and regenerate them in spring. Do not attempt to compensate by watering.
Why is my franz's living stone scale insects?
Occasionally appear at the soil surface. Remove manually and apply dilute insecticidal soap to the soil surface during the growing season only.