Pleiospilos nelii – Living Stone Succulent from South Africa

Pleiospilos nelii – The Split Rock Succulent with Pebble-Like Charm

Pleiospilos nelii, commonly referred to as “Split Rock”, is a striking succulent native to the arid regions of the Karoo in South Africa. Its uncanny resemblance to local stones is a clever evolutionary camouflage that helps it survive in dry, rocky habitats. With its bi-lobed, cleft body and large daisy-like blooms, it brings both intrigue and charm to any indoor succulent collection.

Distinctive Features

• Stone-mimicking appearance: The plant consists of two or four thick, grey-green to purplish leaves that look like cracked rocks, a form of mimicry ideal for predator evasion.
• Showy flowers: Produces large, vibrant orange or yellow flowers that emerge from the centre cleft, often blooming in late summer or early autumn.
• Slow, compact growth: Grows very slowly, typically reaching up to 10 cm in diameter, with new leaves replacing the old pair annually.

Care Tips

• Light: Prefers bright, indirect sunlight but can tolerate some direct morning sun. Ideal near a south or east-facing window.
• Water: Water sparingly; allow the soil to dry completely between waterings. Withhold watering during leaf replacement phase in spring.
• Humidity: Low humidity is optimal—avoid misting or placing in damp environments.
• Media: Use a well-draining cactus or succulent mix, ideally with added perlite or pumice.
• Temperature: Thrives between 18–26°C; protect from frost as it is not cold-hardy.
• Fertiliser: Apply a diluted cactus fertiliser during the active growing season (summer to early autumn), once a month.
• Repotting: Repot only every few years, as it dislikes root disturbance and grows slowly.

Additional Notes

• Flowers open in the afternoon and close at dusk, often with a delicate fragrance.
• This plant is non-toxic to pets but should still be kept out of reach to avoid damage to the plant itself.

Pleiospilos nelii stands out in any succulent collection for its fascinating geology-inspired form and dramatic blooms. With minimal maintenance and a preference for dry, sunny conditions, it offers a truly distinctive choice for those interested in drought-tolerant, mimicry-adapted plants.