Pest identification
What's eating my top-shaped living stones?
Mealybugs
Signs: White cottony deposits deep in the leaf fissure or at the base; plant softens and loses its typical firm, top-like shape
Control: Use a fine-tipped cotton swab with rubbing alcohol to reach the deep fissure; follow with neem oil; repeat bi-weekly
Root mealybugs
Signs: Plant does not recover its shape after the watering season; white waxy colonies on roots when repotted
Control: Unpot and inspect roots; wash off colonies; soak in systemic neem or imidacloprid; repot in fresh gritty compost
Fungus gnats
Signs: Adults present around the pot; larvae can nibble shallow feeder roots in overly moist mixes
Control: Keep the substrate extremely well-draining; use a mineral grit top-dressing; apply Bti drench if flies persist
Keep top-shaped living stones pest-free
Healthy plants resist pests best. Get the basics right:
Top-shaped Living Stones pests — FAQ
What is eating my top-shaped living stones?
Top-shaped Living Stones (Lithops turbiniformis) is a robust species but still susceptible to mealybugs hiding in its characteristic deep fissure and to root mealybugs below soil level. Fungus gnats may appear if the mix retains moisture. Because the deeply-set body makes inspection harder, check the fissure closely at each watering to catch mealybugs early.
How do I get rid of mealybugs on top-shaped living stones?
White cottony deposits deep in the leaf fissure or at the base; plant softens and loses its typical firm, top-like shape Use a fine-tipped cotton swab with rubbing alcohol to reach the deep fissure; follow with neem oil; repeat bi-weekly
How do I get rid of root mealybugs on top-shaped living stones?
Plant does not recover its shape after the watering season; white waxy colonies on roots when repotted Unpot and inspect roots; wash off colonies; soak in systemic neem or imidacloprid; repot in fresh gritty compost
How do I get rid of fungus gnats on top-shaped living stones?
Adults present around the pot; larvae can nibble shallow feeder roots in overly moist mixes Keep the substrate extremely well-draining; use a mineral grit top-dressing; apply Bti drench if flies persist