Grow Light for Pleiospilos: Split Rock Succulents Indoors
A grow light for pleiospilos helps this split rock succulent from South Africa hold its plump stone shape. It belongs to the ice plant family with lithops.
The short answer
NC State says Pleiospilos bolusii likes bright indirect light with morning sun and afternoon shade. A grow light within 12 inches for 12 to 16 hours can fill in. It rests dry in summer. Water well in fall then let the mix dry.
How much light does pleiospilos need?
NC State lists bright indirect sunlight for Pleiospilos bolusii. It can take direct morning sun but likes part shade in the afternoon. Iowa State says low light gives tall pale growth in succulents. NC State notes that lithops stretch in low light too.
NC State says it takes morning sun with afternoon shade. A grow light fills in a dim room.
How close should the grow light be?
Like most succulents, Iowa State’s rule is an LED or fluorescent grow light within 12 inches, timed for 12 to 16 hours. Minnesota Extension runs cool white or daylight tubes 6 to 12 inches above cacti and succulents for 14 to 16 hours. Minnesota Extension’s lighting page places flowering houseplants 6 to 12 inches away and says LEDs give off little heat.
| Option | What it does | Source |
|---|---|---|
| LED panel | Low heat | Lighting for indoor plants and starting seeds, UMN Extension |
| Fluorescent tube | 6 to 12 inches above the plants | Cacti and succulents, UMN Extension (houseplants) |
| Timer | Runs 12 to 16 hours each day | Common Problems and Issues of Succulents, Iowa State University Extension and Outreach Yard and Garden |
How does watering follow the leaf cycle?
NC State says the plant is dormant in summer and needs no water then. In fall water deeply while it grows but let the mix dry between waterings. New growth forms in the split between the leaves. It may want repotting every 2 years.
NC State suggests a dry summer rest and deep water then dry in fall in a mix that drains well.
Troubleshooting
Pale stretched growth: low light. Shorten the gap to the lamp or add time.
Brown or tan patches: too much light at once. Raise the light and go slowly.
Soft yellow growth: overwatering. Wait until the pot dries before you water.
Kind Seed Co shares these plant notes for growers of all kinds. For more on lighting see grow lights for cannabis and led light distance cannabis. Read grow light timers for timer setups. Browse cannabis seeds for our seed range.
Sources
- Pleiospilos bolusii (African Living Rock, Living Rock Cactus, Mimicry Plant), North Carolina Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox
- Lithops (Living Stones), North Carolina Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox
- Common Problems and Issues of Succulents, Iowa State University Extension and Outreach Yard and Garden
- Lighting for indoor plants and starting seeds, UMN Extension
- Cacti and succulents, UMN Extension (houseplants)
FAQ
Why is it called split rock?
NC State describes a stone like plant with a split in the middle where new growth forms.
How many hours of light does it need?
Iowa State suggests 12 to 16 hours a day for succulents under grow lights.
When does pleiospilos flower?
NC State lists late summer to early fall with yellow or orange daisy flowers about 3 inches across.
Can it grow on a windowsill?
Yes. NC State lists it as a houseplant that likes bright indirect light with morning sun.
How big does pleiospilos get?
NC State lists Pleiospilos bolusii at about 3 inches tall and 6 inches wide.
