Image: AI generated
Livingston Plant Care
Pleiospilos nelii Schwantes
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
This plant's distinctive feature is its pair of fleshy, grey-green leaves that resemble a large split rock. Originating from South Africa, Pleiospilos nelii is highly sought after by plant collectors for its unique appearance and ability to thrive in hot, dry conditions.
Every 14–21 days
Full sun
50–80°F
30–50%
At a glance
How do you care for Livingston?
Water Livingston every 14–21 days, letting the top layer of soil dry out between waterings, and give it full sun. It prefers temperatures of 50–80°F (10–27°C) and 30–50% humidity. Fertilize it every month during the growing season.
Where Is the Livingston Native To?
What Is the Livingston?
Livingston (Pleiospilos nelii) belongs to the Aizoaceae family within the Pleiospilos genus. Livingston is native to South Africa. Livingston is also known as Livingston Daisy, Split Rock.
Livingston displays a low clumping succulent growth habit, reaching up to tall with a spread of approximately 6 ft. Livingston produces daisy-like flowers in shades of yellow, white, or pink.
Leaf size: approximately 3 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Livingston?
Pleiospilos nelii requires watering every 14–21 days. Allow the top layer of soil to dry between waterings to prevent root rot. Reduce watering frequency during winter when growth slows.
Watering Frequency
Every 14–21 days
Let soil partially dry between waterings
What Light Does the Livingston Need?
Livingston thrives in full sun.
Light Requirement
Full sun
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Livingston Prefer?
Pleiospilos nelii grows best at temperatures of 50–80°F. Livingston prefers humidity levels of 30–50%.
Temperature
50–80°F
Humidity
30–50%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Livingston?
Sandy, well-draining soil mix with added perlite and coarse sand. Good drainage is essential for Livingston to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Livingston?
Feed Livingston every month during the growing season (spring and summer) with a balanced fertilizer diluted to the strength on the label.
Pause feeding in autumn and winter, when growth slows, and never fertilize dry soil — water first.
Fertilizing
Every month
During the growing season
The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.
How Do You Repot a Livingston?
Repot every 2-3 years in early spring. Choose a pot one size larger than the current container, and ensure it has drainage holes to allow excess water to escape.
How Do You Propagate a Livingston?
Livingston can be propagated through seeds, division of offsets. Similar propagation techniques also apply to split rock plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Livingston Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Livingston, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Keep pets from chewing it as a precaution.
This is a general caution, not veterinary or medical advice. If your pet ate a plant, contact your vet or animal poison control.
See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.
What Pests and Diseases Affect the Livingston?
Livingston is susceptible to mealybugs, aphids. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.
Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.
What USDA Hardiness Zone Does the Livingston Need?
Livingston grows outdoors in USDA Zone 9b – 12b. It survives winters down to planting zone 9b. Livingston is native to South Africa. In cooler regions, grow Livingston as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 9b – 12b
Keep exploring plants
Livingston is one of many species covered in the complete plant care and identification guide, which groups plants by genus, attribute, and popularity.
It belongs to the Pleiospilos genus — compare its care with other Pleiospilos species on PlantoScan.
Pleiospilos is part of the Aizoaceae plant family — browse all Aizoaceae genera and species.
Livingston thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.
Related Plant Care Guides
Closely related plants with similar care requirements:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Pleiospilos nelii Schwantes, family Aizoaceae (first published in in Monatsschr. Deutsch. Kakteen-Ges. 2: 146. 1930.) — World Flora Online record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Livingston, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Checked against the ASPCA plant list; any other toxicity note on this page comes from PlantoScan's plant database.
- Photo: AI-generated illustration (labelled on the image).
- Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 9b – 12b, estimated from the plant's typical growing conditions.
- Care values(watering, light, temperature, humidity, soil, fertilizing): PlantoScan's plant database, filtered by automatic plausibility checks — values that fail them are hidden. How we source and check plant data.
Spotted a mistake? Email info@upvision.media with the page link — we check and correct reported errors.
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