Lithops Decorum Pleiospilos Nelii Rubra 5.5cm

🌵 Lithops / Pleiospilos nelii ‘Rubra’ Care Guide

Your Pleiospilos nelii ‘Rubra’ (often grouped with Lithops as “living stones”) is a tiny, sculptural succulent known for its deep rosy-purple colour, round split “stone” body, and adorable daisy-like blooms. Compact, slow-growing, and incredibly unique — it’s the perfect miniature desert treasure.

☀️ Light

• Loves bright light to full sun

• Indoors: place in a south or west-facing window

• Needs strong light to maintain its rich purple colour

• Acclimate slowly to avoid sunburn

💧 Water

The MOST important part!

• Water very sparingly

• Only water when the soil is 100% dry

• Spring–summer: very light watering every 3–4 weeks

• Autumn: reduce watering

• Winter: do not water — new leaves form inside the old pair

• Use a gritty, sandy mix (pumice, coarse sand, perlite)

• Overwatering = the quickest way to lose it

🌡️ Temperature

• Ideal range: 20–30°C

• Can tolerate heat well

• Keep above 10°C

• Absolutely not frost tolerant

🌫️ Humidity

• Prefers very low humidity

• Avoid misting

• Keep in a dry, airy spot

🍽️ Feeding

• Feed lightly once in spring with a diluted cactus fertilizer

• No feeding in autumn or winter

🌸 Blooms

• Produces stunning pink or orange daisy-like flowers

• Flowers open in the afternoon

• Blooms usually appear in late summer–autumn

🌱 Growth Tips

• Repot rarely — this plant loves staying tight in a shallow pot

• Water ONLY when you are completely sure the plant is thirsty

• Keep old leaf pairs intact during winter — they nourish the new leaves

• Pet-safe, but very fragile

💡 Big Plant Lad Wisdom

The Pleiospilos nelii ‘Rubra’ is tiny, colourful, and utterly unique — a slow-growing desert jewel that thrives on bright sun and very little water. Treat it like a living gemstone, and it will reward you with glowing colour and beautiful blooms. 🌵💗✨