Split Rock (Pleiospilos nelii): Mimicry Succulent "Living Stone"

Overview

Split Rock (Pleiospilos nelii) is a fascinating "living stone" mimicry succulent from South Africa. It consists of 2–4 pairs of extremely thick, gray-green, hemispherical leaves fused at the base, separated by a deep cleft—resembling a split rock. The leaf surfaces are dotted with tiny, dark, translucent windows (dots) for photosynthesis. In late summer to fall, large, daisy-like, yellow-orange flowers with a coconut scent emerge from the cleft. It's a true window plant, requiring bright light but protection from intense sun. Water very sparingly.

Key Features

• Form: 2–4 pairs of fused, hemispherical leaves; deep cleft.
• Leaves: Gray-green, thick; dotted with translucent windows.
• Flowers: Large, yellow-orange, daisy-like; coconut scent; late summer/fall.
• Mimicry: Resembles split rocks in quartz fields.

Care Guidelines

Light

Bright light, but protect from hot afternoon sun. Some direct morning sun.

Water

Extremely low. Water only when leaves soften (few times a year). Dry in summer/winter.

Soil

Very gritty, porous, mineral. High pumice/perlite.

Cycle

New leaf pair forms inside old; old shrivels. Do not water during this.

Taxonomy

Family:	Aizoaceae
Genus:	Pleiospilos (plee-oh-SPIL-os)
Species:	nelii (NEL-ee-eye)
Synonyms:	Pleiospilos pedunculata, Pleiospilos tricolor