A south- or east-facing windowsill is the best location for lithops, as they require a sunny place with at least five hours of direct sunlight each day. Keep in mind that if winter temperatures drop drastically, you might need to remove your lithops from your windowsill.
How to plant lithops
Online purchases of lithops could arrive bare-root, requiring you to plant them yourself. Lithops require a compost that is extremely free-draining, like a cactus compost. To ensure that the compost dries out fast, choose a terracotta container because it is more porous than a plastic or glazed one. You can plant them alone or in groupings.
Propagating lithops
Lithops can be multiplied by seed or division, albeit both methods need a lot of work. Lithops must mature into a cluster over a number of years before being divided. Make sure each component of the plant still has a functional taproot before carefully removing it from the pot and cutting through the roots. Each division should be repotted into a pot that is deep enough to allow the taproot to expand without being compressed.
Prepare a pot with free-draining cactus compost and extra grit to grow lithops from seed. Give the compost some water and let it drain. Cover the area with a thin layer of sand or vermiculite after scattering lithops seeds over it. Until germination takes place, keep somewhat wet; after that, gradually cut down on watering.
How to water lithops
Lithops have a very specific growth cycle, hence they require extremely specific watering. At first, this might appear difficult, but once you get the feel of it, it’s simple.
The development of the new leaves should be taken into account when watering lithops. Each year, Lithops produce new leaves that appear between the two elder leaves before progressively shriveling up (pictured). The watering schedule is determined by the development of these new leaves. The old leaves may not shrivel up properly if you water too soon after the new ones have appeared.
In contrast to most succulents, lithops begin to grow in the fall. Give your lithops a good watering during this time since it coincides with seasonal rains in the wild (early September). Around this time, flowers begin to bloom; keep an eye out for the fissure to open and the bud to emerge. For lithops to flower, they must be at least three years old.
With the new pair of leaves growing inside the old, lithops continue to grow throughout the winter and into the next spring. However, it’s crucial to avoid watering in the winter. The soil should be extremely dry since the new pair of leaves actually grows by taking water from the old pair.
The new leaves emerge in the spring as the old leaves begin to shrink. When the old pair of leaves has fully withered, begin watering once more. Water sparingly, letting the compost dry up in between applications.
Summertime, often the hottest time of year in their native southern African climate, is when lithops go dormant. Then, in early September, when growth resumes, give them a big drink. Avoid watering them during this period.
Growing lithops: problem solving
The primary issue with growing lithops is overwatering or watering at the incorrect time of year. The plants’ markings may also fade in the absence of light. The red spider mite can be a nuisance in greenhouses and conservatories.
Do you know how to divide living stones?
The pots must have adequate depth to accommodate the plant’s taproots, which can get up to 6 inches long. Take care not to rip or harm any of the plants’ roots as you carefully take your live stones from the pot and gently separate the plants. Cut in between each live stone with a fresh pair of gardening shears.
When should Lithops not be repotted?
In addition to the above-mentioned watering plan, you can also tell if your Lithops needs water by closely examining how it is doing. It’s time to give the plant a great drink if you notice that it begins to pucker or wrinkle, appears to be sinking deeper into the pot, or feels softer than usual when you give it a little squeeze.
4. Soil
The ideal soil to plant Lithops in is cactus mix or quick-draining potting soil. To aid in soil drainage, grittier materials like sand, pebbles, or other might be added.
5. Needs for Fertilizing
Lithops don’t typically require fertilization to flourish. However, you can help this plant blossom by feeding it right before its typical flowering period.
To accomplish this, simply feed your Living Stones a little quantity of cactus fertilizer that is high in potassium and low in nitrogen during the spring. Additionally, avoid putting fertilizer directly on the plant’s leaves since this could burn or harm it.
6. Repot
Lithops should only be replanted, like all other plants, if there are issues (soggy soil, for example) or if the plants have outgrown their container. Repot the plants only once the growing season begins if you decide to do so (usually around the month of May). Before any re-potting is done, Lithops’ roots must be properly established (at least two years).