# Leslie's Living Stone (Lithops lesliei)

> Native to the arid grasslands of South Africa, Lithops lesliei is an exceptional master of mimicry celebrated for its paired, fleshy leaves that blend seamlessly with natural pebble fields. The flat top surface displays finely branched, olive-green to brown window patterns that diffuse sunlight deep into subterranean photosynthetic tissue. In late summer to autumn, a radiant golden-yellow daisy-like flower emerges dramatically from the central fissure.

- **Scientific Name:** *Lithops lesliei*
- **Botanical Family:** Aizoaceae
- **Care Difficulty:** Moderate (2/5)
- **Cold Hardiness:** 0°C (USDA Zone 10a)
- **Pet Safety / Toxicity:** Pet-Safe (Non-toxic to cats and dogs)
- **Canonical URL:** https://sukulentler.com/en/species/lithops-lesliei
- **Markdown Source:** https://sukulentler.com/en/species/lithops-lesliei.md
- **Botanical Photo:** https://sukulentler.com/assets/images/articles/species_lithops_lesliei.webp?v=1794325093

## Light & Sun Exposure

Requires at least 4-6 hours of direct morning sun or bright, filtered sunlight; low light leads to unsightly stretching (etiolation) and pattern loss.

## Watering Schedule & Method

Strictly observe the biological cycle: water deeply in autumn during flowering, withhold water completely in winter while new leaves consume the old pair, and keep dry during summer dormancy.

## Soil & Gritty Mix Formula

80% Inorganic mineral grit (pumice, lava rock, coarse quartz sand) + 20% sifted organic cactus soil.

## Cold Tolerance & Overwintering

0°C (USDA Zone 10a)

## Propagation Methods

Seed propagation in spring or careful division of multi-headed mature clumps.

## Available Language Editions

- [TR: Leslie Yaşayan Taşı (Lithops lesliei)](https://sukulentler.com/tr/turler/lithops-lesliei.md)
- [DE: Leslies Lebender Stein (Lithops lesliei)](https://sukulentler.com/de/arten/lithops-lesliei.md)
- [ES: Piedra Viva de Leslie (Lithops lesliei)](https://sukulentler.com/es/especies/lithops-lesliei.md)