Pseudolithos migiurtinus

Pseudolithos migiurtinus is one of those plants that looks like it belongs on another planet. Native to Somalia, it’s a small, leafless succulent that blends right into its rocky surroundings—hence the name “Pseudolithos,” which literally means “false stone.” It has this odd, lumpy shape and can shift in color depending on how much light it gets—ranging from pale green in shade, to olive-grey in partial sun, and even a reddish-brown if it’s growing in strong light.

It might look intimidating, but it’s actually a pretty fast grower on its own roots and not as fussy as people tend to think. That said, it does have its quirks. It needs very bright light to thrive, but should be protected from full, direct sun or it’ll scorch. Think strong light with a bit of shelter. Good airflow is essential—stale, still air can lead to rot, and with this plant, if rot starts, it almost always means the end. The roots are where things tend to go wrong, so using a super gritty, fast-draining soil mix is key, and it’s usually better to under-pot it a bit as long as you're keeping an eye on watering. Let it dry out between waterings and avoid letting moisture linger around the base.

One of the most fascinating (and polarizing) things about Pseudolithos migiurtinus is its flowers. When it blooms, the flowers release a scent that’s… well, not pleasant. It smells like something dead or like manure, which makes sense because it’s pollinated by flies. It’s kind of gross but also weirdly impressive.

If you're into strange and beautiful plants that don’t quite behave like anything else, this one’s a solid pick. Just give it the right conditions, and it'll surprise you with how well it grows.