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Question… does the top of the Lithops look flat because it’s thirsty?… | Lithops Lovers | Planta-Community

DanishGramma

Question… does the top of the Lithops look flat because it’s thirsty? I’ve only watered the flat ones so far like this one 👇

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6 Kommentare

  1. MeasomerPi

    That’s not been my experience but I am no expert as proven by the tiny lithops graveyard in my compost pile. 🥺 As I understand it, lithops and water is all about timing. - Water in the mid to late spring. Typically this is after the new leaves have fully developed and the old leaves are shriveled and dry. It seems like people are most successful with a deep watering after the new leaves have finished developing and then light waterings through the rest of the season as needed. - You might consider withholding water in summer unless the plant wrinkles. Only give it enough water to allow the plant to plump back up since it can go into dormancy in higher temps. - Stop water mid to late late fall when the leaves are suppose to begin developing. - DON’T even think about water when it is putting on new leaves. This typically begins in late fall or early winter and finishes early spring (but if you are in my house it’s any freaking time of the year). During this time, the old leaves will begin wrinkling. But don’t be fooled. The plant isn’t begging for water but rather redirecting resources, including stored moisture, from the old leaves to the new. Water at this time results in an almost immediate and spectacular death. Lithops are a tiny and delightful puzzle of crazy frustration and anxiety. And I adore them for it.

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    • Dave_opuntiaface

      Same for me. Thanks for the “if it sinks” tip. I would add that, if it’s split, the old leaves can look like trash as long as the new body isn’t wrinkled (see image). (Stands around looking and conferring with the group) I would water this one based on the wrinkles :)

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    • Dave_opuntiaface

      “Any freaking time of the year.” Yup. I wish there were a short answer on what a South African plant born in California - from six generations of California relatives - is supposed to do. I am sure there is a short answer, but I wouldn’t believe it. The one Lithops of mine bloomed in early June, which is neither Spring or Summer in my book.

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    • MeasomerPi

      You’re probably right about the alien environment but I like to think it’s just plain ol’ fashioned passive aggression on the plants part. But they are so cute I don’t care!

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    • GreenLeaf

      Oh man, trying to figure out their “dormant” period was a waste of my time! I don’t even bother worrying about what time of year it is anymore. As long as its not splitting/flowering/ etc. and I’m seeing signs they’re thirsty, I’ll water. Ended up being every 2 weeks or so throughout spring/summer, which felt a bit crazy based on all the reading I’d done, but they needed it! Its nice to see they have started to slow down on water needs now that they are (finally) putting out new leaves. Confirms that listening to my plants and not all the info out there was the right decision :)

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  2. DanishGramma

    Yes! I watched a grower on YouTube from Australia who has been growing them for decades but I couldn’t figure out if it’s his Summer or my Summer so it got confusing. Thank you all for your wonderful advice! I watered half of the plants and I will keep an eye on them daily. I ordered 10 small and 10 large because I know they die easily and the Labor Day sale of course lol My room has been pretty humid lately because of the rain so I’m thinking of how they can get water from fog. We shall see right 🤔😊🙏

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