Pleiospilos nelii Rubra

Pleiospilos nelii ‘Rubra’, also known as “Living Stone”, is a rare and fascinating succulent, noted for its compact shape and striking colors in shades of deep red, burgundy, and violet. This variety comes from the arid regions of South Africa, where it has perfectly adapted to extreme drought conditions, developing fleshy leaves with a slightly grainy texture, resembling a stone.

This stone-like appearance helps it blend into its natural habitat, protecting it from predators. Besides its unusual look, Pleiospilos nelii ‘Rubra’ produces large, daisy-like flowers in pink-lilac or deep red, which open in the sun, offering a striking contrast with its ruby-colored leaves.

Care Instructions

To maintain its health and the intensity of its spectacular colors, Pleiospilos nelii ‘Rubra’ requires a well-drained environment and controlled watering:

🌿 Light: Preferably strong direct light. Needs at least 6 hours of sun daily to keep its vivid hues.

🌡️ Temperature: Tolerates temperatures between 5-35°C, but must be protected from frost (below 5°C).

💧 Watering: Very limited! Water only when the soil is completely dry, about once every 3-4 weeks during the warm season. During dormancy (winter), watering should be reduced to a minimum or stopped entirely.

🌱 Soil: Extremely well-drained soil, made up of coarse sand, gravel, and a special mix for succulents, to prevent water retention.

🌿 Fertilizing: Once every 2-3 months, using a weak fertilizer for succulents (NPK 5-10-10), only during the growing period.

🪴 Repotting: Needed every 2-3 years, only if the plant outgrows the pot.

Height including pot: approx. 8 cm

Note: The plant is sold without flowers.