Split Rock

Pleiospilos neliiAlso known as: Splitrock Succulent, Mimicry Plant, Living Rock, Cleft Stone

Pleiospilos nelii, commonly known as Split Rock, is a fascinating mimicry succulent native to South Africa that resembles a cracked stone or rock. Growing 2-5 inches (5-12 cm) wide, each plant consists of one or two pairs of extremely thick, hemispherical leaves with a deep fissure down the middle. In late winter to early spring, it produces spectacular large daisy-like flowers in orange, yellow, or salmon that can be as wide as the plant itself.

Expert Care

Direct Sunlight

Perennial

Quick Care Summary

Light
Direct Sunlight

Temperature Range
40-85°F (4-29°C)

Ideal Temp
65°F (18°C)

Pet Safe

This plant is non-toxic to cats and dogs. While it's safe to have around pets, ingestion of any plant material may still cause mild stomach upset.

Seasonal Care Schedule

Adjust your care routine based on the season for optimal plant health.

Watering Schedule

Season	Schedule
Spring	Once every 3-4 weeks if new leaves are fully developed
Summer	Every 2-3 weeks during active growth period
Fall	Reduce to once monthly as growth slows
Winter	No water needed - completely dry during dormancy

Only water when outer leaves are slightly wrinkled. Never water when old leaves are still present alongside new growth. Overwatering is fatal.

Fertilizing Schedule

Season	Schedule
Spring	Light feeding once with diluted cactus fertilizer (quarter strength)
Summer	One light feeding mid-summer at quarter strength
Fall	No fertilizing
Winter	No fertilizing

Very light feeders. Excess fertilizer causes unnatural growth and splitting problems.

Pruning

Frequency: Never - leaves naturally reabsorb

Best Season: Not applicable

Old leaf pairs naturally shrivel as new ones emerge. Never remove old leaves manually - the plant reabsorbs nutrients from them.

Repotting

Frequency: Every 3-4 years or when outgrows container

Best Season: Late summer before winter dormancy

Use very fast-draining mineral soil (90% grit/pumice, 10% soil). Deep pot for taproot. Minimal organic matter.

Flowering

Season
Late winter to early spring (February-April)

Color
Large orange, yellow, or salmon daisy-like flowers

Spectacular flowers emerge from the central fissure, often 2-3 inches (5-7 cm) across - sometimes wider than the plant itself. Flowers open in afternoon sun and have a coconut-like fragrance.

Propagation Methods

Seeds (most common method)
Division of clumps (rare, when multiple heads form)
Very slow to propagate - requires patience

Common Problems

Rotting/mushiness: Overwatering - the primary killer of Split Rocks
Stacking (multiple leaf pairs): Too much water causing abnormal growth
Wrinkling excessively: Underwatering or root problems
No flowers: Insufficient light or immature plant (needs 3-5 years)
Elongated growth: Not enough direct sunlight

Pro Tips

Should only have 1-2 pairs of leaves at a time - more means overwatering
South-facing window essential for compact growth and flowering
Water only when outer leaves wrinkle slightly and inner pair is firm
More forgiving than Lithops but still requires careful watering
Flowers have a lovely coconut scent - open them in afternoon sun

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