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If you prefer unusual plants and want to add to your garden, you may want to consider using raw stone flowers. This succulent is native to southern Africa and these plants are very striking. Nicknamed living stones, they actually look like smooth pebbles. Really, these succulents look a lot like stones, and you might want to pick one up and jump over it through bodies of water.
The unique appearance of the raw stone flower is because it has almost no stems. The main thing we see are bulb-like fusion leaves that protrude from the soil. There is a slit between these leaves, leaving room for flowers to open and new leaves to appear. Most of the leaves of the plant are actually in the soil, and the plant has a small translucent window that allows light to penetrate and enter these leaves for photosynthesis. Once a year, in winter, the leaves above the surface will separate and new leaves will emerge from the slits. Old leaves wither and wither, making way for new growth.
If that's not enough to be incredible, these living stones are also known for their variety of colors and patterns. Ranging from light grey to dark red or green, these succulents often have a mottled or streaked appearance. These adaptability allows the plant to blend into its surroundings as a camouflage in the actual pebbles.
In nature, raw stone is most commonly found in Namibia and South Africa. It also became a popular houseplant. There are nearly 150 different varieties to choose from, with multiple types to choose from. And, the good news is that they are relatively easy to take care of. As long as they are given bright but not direct sunlight and planted in well-drained soil, they should thrive. They really only need to be watered every two weeks because they store a lot of water, so they're also perfect for people who don't have a green thumb.
Stone-bearing plants can be cultivated by propagation or seed. Seed germination takes longer, but if you buy online, this is a good choice. On Etsy, there are many reputable sellers such as EEGCO and Cactus Kingdom, who ship mixed bags of seeds. With a little patience and care, you will soon have your own living stone.
Raw stone flowers are a succulent native to southern Africa.
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Because of their similarity to pebbles, they are nicknamed "living stones".
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Every year, their bulb leaves split and die, resulting in a new pair of fused leaves.
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They also bloom white or yellow flowers.
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Their unusual appearance and ease of care make them popular houseplants.
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Many suppliers sell raw stone flower seeds online so you can grow your own live stones.