Wednesday, March 7, 2018

Beginner Tips For Growing Lithops

The main issue with lithops is people overthink them. They require little watering throughout the year. 

Don't water them once they begin to split as they are drawing water from the old leaves to fuel the growth of the new ones. 

Once split, the plants should only be watered once you begin to see ample lines forming along the sides of the plant.

Sunlight, I keep mine under filtered light via shade cloth with full to partial sun in the morning or late afternoon, early evening. Don't put them out under full sun, they will burn.

Don't let them sit out below the mid 40's, cold AND wet is a basically a death sentence.

You WILL kill lithops as a beginner so get used to it. Start off with some basic specimens, ge the hang of their care, them move up to more exotic species and or clumps the more practice you get.

When you begin to see lines forming along the sides that's generally a good sign they're ready to be watered. For Gods sake, don't overdo it either. One good soaking every week and a half to two weeks is enough.


(Photo from Dan Curran)

Pot your lithops in a fast draining potting mix, I reccomend a ratio of 70% pumice to 30% cactus soil with some sand and a little coarse gravel.


These plants are adapted to be living water tanks. The longer they sit in wet soil, the longer they will absorb water until they simply start to melt down. You want a mixture which retains enough to give them what they need without being too wet for long periods.

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