Troubleshooting
Geyer's Living Stone problems — and how to fix them
Geyer's Living Stone (Lithops geyeri) 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.
Basal rot
Almost always caused by watering during dormancy. Allow the soil to dry completely and strictly observe the summer rest period.
Etiolation
Elongated, pale lobes signal inadequate light. Move to the brightest available windowsill or supplement with a grow light.
Splitting / double-heading problems
If the old leaves do not shrivel naturally in winter, watering has likely continued too late into the season. Cease water immediately.
Fungus gnats
A sign of overly moist soil. Allow the medium to dry further between waterings and use a yellow sticky trap to monitor adult populations.
Mealybugs
Inspect the crevice between lobes regularly. Remove with isopropyl alcohol on a cotton swab or apply a systemic insecticide.
Prevent geyer's living stone problems before they start
Most geyer's living stone issues are care-mismatch, not bad luck. Dial in the basics:
Geyer's Living Stone problems — FAQ
Why is my geyer's living stone basal rot?
Almost always caused by watering during dormancy. Allow the soil to dry completely and strictly observe the summer rest period.
Why is my geyer's living stone etiolation?
Elongated, pale lobes signal inadequate light. Move to the brightest available windowsill or supplement with a grow light.
Why is my geyer's living stone splitting / double-heading problems?
If the old leaves do not shrivel naturally in winter, watering has likely continued too late into the season. Cease water immediately.
Why is my geyer's living stone fungus gnats?
A sign of overly moist soil. Allow the medium to dry further between waterings and use a yellow sticky trap to monitor adult populations.
Why is my geyer's living stone mealybugs?
Inspect the crevice between lobes regularly. Remove with isopropyl alcohol on a cotton swab or apply a systemic insecticide.