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Lithops aucampiae

Common name: Aucamp's living stone · Living stone · Stoneface

Lithops aucampiae is a dwarf succulent in the ice plant family (Aizoaceae), native to the arid grasslands around Postmasburg and Kuruman in South Africa's Northern Cape. Each plant is a pair of thick, fused leaves whose flattened tops are patterned in reddish brown, copper, and tan to mimic the surrounding stones, and a bright yellow, daisy-like flower emerges from the central fissure in autumn. It is one of the most popular living stones with collectors for its richly marked leaf faces and its tolerance of pot culture on a sunny windowsill.

Fun facts

  • Only the patterned top of each leaf pair shows above ground; the rest stays buried as protection against heat and browsing animals.
  • It was named after Juanita Aucamp, who found the first known plant near Postmasburg in 1929.
  • Each year the old leaf pair splits open and is absorbed by a fresh pair growing inside it, so the plant renews itself without growing taller.
  • The window-like markings on the leaf tops let light filter down to the buried parts of the leaf, allowing photosynthesis underground.

Care summary

Sun Full sun; at least 4-6 hours of direct light daily
Water Very sparingly; water only in growth periods, keep dry in winter and while old leaves split
Soil Mineral-rich, extremely gritty, sharply drained mix with almost no humus
Hardiness Zones 10a–11b
Mature height 3–5 cm (1–2 in)
Pet safe Non-toxic to cats, dogs, and horses (ASPCA lists living stones as non-toxic)
Difficulty Fussy
Propagation By seed; mature clumps can be divided when repotting

Make your own Aucamp's living stone · Living stone · Stoneface profile

Common problems

    • Withhold water in peak summer heat
    • Resume watering only in autumn
    • Move to a bright south-facing window
    • Give at least four hours of direct sun
    • Introduce stronger light gradually
    • Use a grow light in dark winters
    • Inspect roots when repotting plants
    • Dab pests with isopropyl alcohol
    • Water only when soil is bone dry
    • Stop watering while new leaves emerge