I'm very new to lithops, purchased around 6 weeks ago. I'm based in the UK. I've been reading a lot but can't quite put my finger on anything. I believe it may be the time of year they start splitting, but can't really see a sign of new leaves emerging. It appears to have shrunk in height since. I haven't watered it since bringing it home. Should I leave it to see if new leaves emerge, or should I give it some water? Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Pictures of the day of purchase and today.
by PamperedWaffle
6 Comments
Psst.. the singular form of Lithops is still Lithop**s**! The name comes from lithos (stone) + ops (face). To quote [Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lithops), “The formation of the name from the Greek “-ops” means that even a single plant is called a Lithops.”
Looking for Lithops care? See our [Lithops guide here](https://www.reddit.com/r/succulents/wiki/mesembs_care_guides/#wiki_lithops_.28living_stones.29).
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No water.
Not until you repot it into appropriate substrate that’s at least 75% inorganic grit. And check over at the r/lithops sub, these guys are specialist extremists.
These are some of the most difficult plants to keep alive IMO. Short answer is no – not right now. You want to water when the sides start to wrinkle. You also need to get it out of that soil. You want at least 75% inorganic. A cactus mix with added pearlite would work. It also needs full sun – 6 hours a day. If you don’t have a spot in home that can provide this – you need to get a grow light.
Good luck!
Repot with a more appropriate mix and then you can water. From late fall to early spring, I water mine regularly, once every 7 to ten days. I use a mix that has almost no organic matter and they drain completely. Late spring they just get tiny drinks. Summer means no water. As it’s humid where I live, I run a fan during the warmer months. When they split and show the new leaves, you don’t water them until most of the bulk of the old leaves have been absorbed. I find it’s kind of a dance to get enough moisture into them during the time that they are receptive to it, without drowning and rotting them, so they can build a new set of leaves and grow and thrive. But not crossing the line at which they really shouldn’t get any water at all.
I love Lithops, but honestly, they’re a pain in the ass.
Make mine Conophytum!
I’m really sorry, but that looks translucent and squishy… Is it?
If it is, it may be rotting. Lithops are such difficult plants to care for.