How to Care for and Cultivate Pseudolithos migiurtinus

Pseudolithos migiurtinus typically grows as a single stem, with significant variations in appearance, skin color, and size among different plants. In full sunlight, Pseudolithos migiurtinus plants develop a natural reddish-brown skin color. The clustered flowers are pollinated by flies and are deep red, with a diameter of about 5 to 7 millimeters. Each seed capsule contains approximately 15 to 20 seeds. Flowering mainly occurs in late summer, with flowers growing at the base of the plant. However, in warm greenhouse conditions, flowering may occur year-round.


Pseudolithos migiurtinus originally thrived in tropical desert regions, so it is essential to avoid cold and humid environments during cultivation. If there are consecutive sunny days, the potting soil can be kept moist.

Pseudolithos migiurtinus plants require almost no shading; however, shading can accelerate growth but also carries the risk of rot. Therefore, the conservative approach is to provide full sunlight, allowing the plants to develop a resistant reddish-brown color.

Pseudolithos migiurtinus can be watered when temperatures are above 30 degrees Celsius but should never be allowed to sit in water. It is a summer-dormant succulent and does not go into dormancy. During winter, the minimum temperature for Pseudolithos migiurtinus should not drop below 15 degrees Celsius. During the day, sunlight provides warmth, while additional heating or air conditioning is needed at night. Watering should occur once a month during winter. If no additional heating is provided in winter, refrain from watering to prevent the bulbs from rotting.

Pseudolithos migiurtinus typically grows as a single stem, with significant variations in appearance, skin color, and size among different plants. In full sunlight, Pseudolithos migiurtinus plants develop a natural reddish-brown skin color.

Bulb: The diameter of the bulb can reach up to 6 centimeters, with a maximum height of 8 centimeters (older plants cultivated in horticulture can reach larger sizes). The bulbs are ovoid, with lumpy patterns on the surface. Some plants have a distinct quadrangular appearance. Pseudolithos migiurtinus skin color can range from light green (in shaded environments) to olive-green or grayish-green (in partially shaded environments) to reddish-brown (in full sunlight).

Root system: Fibrous root system.

Flowers: The clustered flowers are pollinated by flies and have a foul smell. The flowers are deep red, with a diameter of about 5 to 7 millimeters.

Flowering period: Mainly in late summer, with flowers growing at the base of the plant. However, in warm greenhouse conditions, flowering may occur year-round.

Pseudolithos migiurtinus is relatively easy to cultivate, but mistakes in cultivation can be costly. For succulent plants like Pseudolithos migiurtinus (another famous genus in the Aizoaceae family is Faucaria, which is distributed in South Africa), cultivation is always challenging, and carelessness can lead to significant losses. As these species primarily inhabit tropical desert environments, it is crucial to avoid damp and cold conditions. Typically, maintaining moist potting soil is only possible during consecutive sunny days with temperatures above 30 degrees Celsius. When temperatures drop below 20 degrees Celsius, it is essential to maintain dry conditions as much as possible. Pseudolithos migiurtinus plants require almost no shading; however, shading can accelerate growth but also carries the risk of rot. Therefore, the conservative approach is to provide full sunlight, allowing the plants to develop a resistant reddish-brown color. When rot sets in, there is virtually no time for warning, indication, or rescue before your Pseudolithos migiurtinus turns into a pile of expensive mud. It requires periodic watering, especially during the hot summer months, and even slight irrigation during winters when greenhouse temperatures are relatively high. Both overwatering and underwatering can cause plant rot.

Cold resistance: Winter temperatures must be kept above 10 degrees Celsius (although it can tolerate nighttime temperatures as low as 5 degrees Celsius in winter).

Light requirements: Plants grow well in strong light but should avoid full sunlight.

Cultivation experience: Good ventilation is essential. Pseudolithos migiurtinus grows rapidly in its active root state and is relatively easy to cultivate. It is not as challenging to plant as commonly believed, but incorrect cultivation methods can be fatal. If Pseudolithos migiurtinus rots, it is almost like receiving a death notice for your plant.

Propagation method: Some Pseudolithos migiurtinus varieties that produce offshoot bulbs can be propagated by cuttings, but those with bulbous varieties seem to only reproduce by seeds. Seeds are quite rare, especially compared to other Aizoaceae species.