When to Water Lithops: A Comprehensive Guide for Beginners

Decoding the Thirst of Living Stones: A Beginner’s Guide to Watering Lithops

Lithops, often called “living stones,” are fascinating succulents that mimic the appearance of pebbles to blend in with their native arid environments. Their unique survival strategies, including specialized water storage and distinct growth cycles, make them a rewarding but particular plant to care for. For the new lithop owner, understanding when and how to water these intriguing plants can feel like deciphering a secret code. This guide aims to demystify the watering process, ensuring your living stones thrive.

Understanding Lithops’ Growth Cycle

Before diving into watering, it’s essential to understand the lithops’ annual growth cycle. This cycle dictates their needs and provides clues about when to water. The key stages are:

• Growing Season (Spring to Early Summer): This is the time when new leaves are formed inside the existing ones. The plant may show signs of splitting as the new leaves emerge, eventually absorbing the older ones for nutrients.
• Dormancy (Late Summer to Autumn): Lithops go dormant during the hottest months. During this period, they conserve energy and water, and watering should be minimal or avoided altogether.
• New Leaf Development (Autumn to Winter): The new leaves continue to develop inside the old ones. The old leaves provide nourishment and protection to the developing new leaves. This is also the main time for the plant to start showing its features such as colors and patterns.
• Resting (Winter to Spring): Once the new leaves have fully emerged and the old leaves have been absorbed, the plant enters a resting phase. Watering should be minimal until the new growing cycle starts.

Signs Your Lithops Needs Water

Watering lithops is not about following a schedule; it’s about observing your plants and responding to their cues. Here’s what to look for:

• Wrinkling and Softening: This is one of the most reliable indicators. When lithops need water, their leaves will start to wrinkle and feel less firm. This is because they are using up their water reserves.
• Splitting (During the Growing Season): If your lithops are splitting, it’s a sign of new growth. The plant is using up the water stored in the old leaves to nourish the new ones. Splitting can also occur during the growing season, indicating the development of a new set of leaves inside the old ones. In this case, avoid watering, the plant is absorbing water from the old leaves, and too much water could lead to rot.
• Color Changes: Healthy lithops have vibrant colors that can fade slightly when thirsty. The colors may intensify again after watering. However, color changes alone shouldn’t be the sole factor in deciding to water.

How to Water Lithops

When you’ve determined your lithops need water, the following tips will guide you:

• Deep Watering: Water deeply but infrequently. When you water, saturate the soil thoroughly, allowing the excess water to drain away. This encourages deep root growth, making the plant more resilient.
• Watering Medium: Use a well-draining soil mix specifically designed for succulents and cacti. This usually includes a combination of sand, perlite, and a small amount of organic matter.
• Watering Method: Water from the top, ensuring the soil is evenly moistened. Avoid getting water on the leaves, as this can lead to rot, especially during cooler months.
• Frequency: The frequency of watering depends on the season, temperature, and humidity. During the growing season (spring to early summer and autumn to winter), you may water every 2-4 weeks, depending on the signs of thirst. During dormancy (late summer to autumn), water sparingly or not at all. In winter, reduce watering to a minimum.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Overwatering: This is the most common cause of lithops death. Overwatering can lead to root rot, which quickly kills the plant. Always allow the soil to dry out completely between waterings.
• Underwatering: While lithops are drought-tolerant, they still need water to survive. Prolonged underwatering can stunt growth and eventually kill the plant. Observe your plants carefully for signs of thirst.
• Watering at the Wrong Time: Avoid watering lithops during dormancy. If you water when they are not actively growing, they are more susceptible to rot.
• Using the Wrong Soil: Heavy, water-retentive soil can lead to overwatering and rot. Always use a well-draining soil mix.

Addressing Specific Concerns

• Splitting and New Growth: If your lithops are splitting, it’s a sign of new growth. In this case, avoid watering. The plant is using up the water stored in the old leaves.
• Wrinkling, but not splitting: If your lithops are wrinkling, they probably need a good watering, but make sure the soil is completely dry first.
• Recent transplanting: If you’ve recently transplanted your lithops, wait a week or two before watering to allow the roots to settle. After that, follow the usual watering guidelines.

Troubleshooting

• Soft, mushy leaves: This is a sign of overwatering and root rot. Stop watering immediately and allow the soil to dry out. You may need to repot the lithops in fresh, dry soil and remove any damaged roots. If the rot is extensive, the plant may not survive.
• Shriveled leaves: This is a sign of underwatering. Water the lithops thoroughly, and it should start to plump up in a few days.
• Discoloration: Discoloration can be a sign of overwatering, underwatering, or disease. Check the roots for rot and adjust your watering accordingly. If you suspect a disease, isolate the plant and consult a gardening expert.

Conclusion: Mastering the Art of Lithops Care

Watering lithops might seem daunting at first, but with careful observation and an understanding of their unique needs, you can easily become a successful lithops parent. Remember to pay attention to the signs of thirst, avoid common mistakes, and adjust your watering routine according to the season. With patience and practice, you’ll be rewarded with thriving, beautiful living stones that will bring a unique touch to your home. Happy growing!