Troubleshooting
Earth-colored Living Stone problems — and how to fix them
Earth-colored Living Stone (Lithops terricolor) 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.
Loss of warm colouration
The reddish-brown tones fade without adequate direct sun. Maximise light exposure to maintain the characteristic earth colours.
Summer rot
Like all Lithops, this species is vulnerable to rot if watered during summer dormancy. Strict dry rest from late spring to early autumn is essential.
Leaf split difficulty
If the old lobe pair does not dry back in winter, it indicates excess moisture. Stop watering and allow desiccation to proceed naturally.
Mealybugs
The earth-toned lobe surface can camouflage early mealybug infestations. Check the central cleft and soil level with a magnifying glass; treat with isopropyl alcohol.
Cold damage
Although slightly more cold-tolerant than some Lithops, prolonged temperatures below 5°C will damage the plant. Keep frost-free at all times.
Prevent earth-colored living stone problems before they start
Most earth-colored living stone issues are care-mismatch, not bad luck. Dial in the basics:
Earth-colored Living Stone problems — FAQ
Why is my earth-colored living stone loss of warm colouration?
The reddish-brown tones fade without adequate direct sun. Maximise light exposure to maintain the characteristic earth colours.
Why is my earth-colored living stone summer rot?
Like all Lithops, this species is vulnerable to rot if watered during summer dormancy. Strict dry rest from late spring to early autumn is essential.
Why is my earth-colored living stone leaf split difficulty?
If the old lobe pair does not dry back in winter, it indicates excess moisture. Stop watering and allow desiccation to proceed naturally.
Why is my earth-colored living stone mealybugs?
The earth-toned lobe surface can camouflage early mealybug infestations. Check the central cleft and soil level with a magnifying glass; treat with isopropyl alcohol.
Why is my earth-colored living stone cold damage?
Although slightly more cold-tolerant than some Lithops, prolonged temperatures below 5°C will damage the plant. Keep frost-free at all times.