Lapidaria margaretae

Lapidaria margaretae is a slow-growing succulent native to southern Namibia and the Northern Cape Province of South Africa, particularly in the lower Orange River valley. It inhabits arid, rocky plains and outcrops, where it remains partially buried among quartzite gravel. This member of the Aizoaceae family has pairs of opposite, thick, smooth leaves that resemble stones. Typically producing a single golden-yellow flower in late autumn, it stays dormant during summer's peak heat.

Care Tips:

• Light: Needs high light levels, ideally full sun
• Water: Water sparingly; only when leaves begin to wrinkle, especially during active growth
• Humidity: Requires dry air; sensitive to excessive moisture
• Media: Use mineral-rich, extremely well-draining soil
• Temperature: Best kept between 10–25 °C; protect from frost
• Fertiliser: Light feeding in early autumn with a low-nitrogen fertiliser
• Repotting: Rarely needed; thrives in small pots with minimal disturbance