Pruning guide
How to prune living stones
More living stones care
Pruning living stones — FAQ
When should I prune living stones?
No pruning required; allow natural leaf replacement in late winter to spring. Do nothing — allow the outer leaf pair to desiccate and collapse on its own as the new pair emerges from the center. Removing leaves early robs the emerging pair of stored moisture and nutrients.
How often does living stones need pruning?
Never — no pruning is appropriate for Lithops. Living Stones (Lithops karasmontana) must never be pruned — cutting the fused leaf pairs causes irreversible damage. The only intervention needed is leaving the old leaf pair to fully shrivel as the new pair emerges each year. Do not remove the old leaves prematurely; let them dry completely and the new growth will push through naturally.
How do you prune living stones?
Do nothing — allow the outer leaf pair to desiccate and collapse on its own as the new pair emerges from the center. Removing leaves early robs the emerging pair of stored moisture and nutrients.