Basics in Growing Lithops

Many, especially beginners, make mistakes of growing lithops.  They tend to eventually dry out. Many say that their lithops just explode, or melt.

To prevent those incidents, and to give your Lithops the longest life (they say Lithops lives over 30 years), follow these basic Lithops growing guidelines.

Basic Lithops Growing Guidelines

• Stop watering after flowering.
• Start watering after the old leaves completely dry. (In the Philippines, it could be any month, but expect the leaves to dry in late January to Early February when the cool season is leaving and the summer is coming in).
• Water freely during the growing season (summer).  Soak the compost fully but allow it to dry out between waterings, no water when cold. 
• Some growers fertilize frequently, some hardly ever. 
• Keep them dry during the cold and rainy season (this starts in late May or early June, until late January of the following year - Philippine climate calendar). 
• This plant is best for a well lit area (Bright shade to full sun). But don't be afraid even the best growers have plants that mysteriously dry up, or leave during the night. 

Nearly all problems occur as a result of over-watering and poor ventilation especially when weather conditions are dull and cool or very humid. Give them air. You might need to give them cover during the rainy seasons or keep them indoors to prevent soaking from rain or storms.