How to Water Living Stones (Lithops)

How to water

Lithops are quite tricky to water and are easily overwatered. They require water during some stages of their growth cycle and won't tolerate any water during other stages. All of the soil should be dry completely before watering your living stones.
If the soil is moist - snooze this action, we will remind you again in 2 days.

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Important info

The key is to grow them in soilless substrate such as pumice or scoria which allows the water to drain easily. For best results, wait until your plant starts to get a little wrinkled before watering.
In general, you should water your living stones when the soil is completely dry and the plant start to shrivel just slightly or shrink during the spring and summer period and ignore it almost completely during the winter.
You'll need to keep an eye on them as they can sometimes go into dormancy early. During that time, it's always better to keep them on the dryer side than to accidentally overwater them.

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Water over the soil

Pour water over the soil or put the plant directly under the tap
Continue adding water to the pot until it starts to run out from the drainage holes
If you have a tray under the pot, make sure you remove all the collected water afterwards - never let your plant sit in water
If you watered under the tap make sure that water has stopped running out from the bottom before putting it back

Make sure your pot has drainage holes, without these your plant runs the risk of rotting in the excess water that can’t drain out.
— Planta tip

Bottom watering

Fill the plant tray with water
Make sure the soil through the drainage holes is in contact with the water on the tray
Wait for about 10 minutes
Feel the soil to see if it absorbed enough water —> if the soil is moist throughout, remove any excess water from the tray
If it’s still dry —> add more water to the tray
Wait 20 more minutes before removing the excess

Note

Bottom watering will not wash away salts and other minerals from the soil, so make sure to also give water over the soil every now and then.

Water bath

Fill a bucket with lukewarm water
Lower the whole pot down in the water, stop where the stem of the plant starts. Make sure all of the soil is under water
The water will start to bubble - wait until it stopped
Lift the pot up and let the excess drain off
Put the plant back in the cachepot or on the tray
After 1 hour, check that the plant isn’t standing in water, if it is it might get overwatered and rot

よくある質問

When should I water my Lithops?

You should water your Living Stones when all of the soil is completely dry and the plant begins to look slightly wrinkled or shrivel, typically during the spring and summer periods.

How often should Living Stones be watered?

Lithops require water during specific growth stages and no water during others, so only water when the soil is fully dry and the plant shows signs of needing it. Avoid watering almost completely during winter or dormancy.

What kind of soil is best for Lithops?

Lithops thrive in a soilless substrate like pumice or scoria, which allows water to drain easily and prevents the plant from sitting in excess moisture.

Can Lithops be overwatered easily?

Yes, Living Stones are quite tricky and are easily overwatered, which can lead to rotting. It is generally safer to keep them on the drier side.

What should I do if my Lithops go dormant early?

If your Living Stones go into dormancy early, it is always better to keep them on the dryer side to avoid accidental overwatering during this period.

Why is proper drainage important for Lithops?

Proper drainage is crucial for Lithops because without drainage holes, the plant runs the risk of rotting in excess water that cannot escape the pot.

How to Water Living Stones (Lithops)

Wait until all of the soil is completely dry before watering your Living Stones.

Observe your plant for slight wrinkling or shrinking, which usually indicates it is ready for water during spring and summer.

Choose a watering method: pour water over the soil, use bottom watering, or give the plant a water bath.

If watering over the soil, continue adding water until it runs out from the drainage holes, then remove any collected water from the tray.

For bottom watering, fill a plant tray with water, ensure the soil through the drainage holes is in contact with the water, and let it soak for about 10-20 minutes, then remove any excess.

If using a water bath, lower the entire pot into a bucket of lukewarm water until the bubbling stops, then lift and let the excess water drain off.

Always ensure your pot has drainage holes to prevent water from accumulating and causing rot.

Avoid watering almost completely during the winter period or if the plant enters dormancy.