When and How to Water Lithops - Part 2 - Lithops Growth Cycle

How and When to Water Lithops

Watering is the most important factor in successfully growing Lithops. The actual about and frequency will depend on the growing medium you use and your climate.

Lithops are a summer dormant plant in their natural environment, and although this is a hot dry climate they usually grow well down in the soil often in positions that offer some protection from the heat of the afternoon sun.

They do come from different climate areas, with some being subjected to mists and fogs, others to overnight dew, and all of these can some provide moisture outside of rainy periods.

Also plants growing in the ground may have access to moisture that plats growing in pots / containers do not.

We also look at the effects of overwatering lithops, or 'stretched' lithops.

Lithops are generally watered from above.

The growth cycle of Lithops can generally be divided into 4 periods. However the actual time does vary a little between the species, with come being later flowering and later molting than others

Autumn/Fall - The rainy season. After the heat of summer water is needed to promote the growth cycle and flowering. The body of the plant should feel firm through this period and the flowering will begin.

Winter - This is when the Lithops begin to molt and divide. They are adsorbing the moisture from the and nutrients from the older leaves. Very little water is required during this period. Over watering can cause elongated growth

Spring -.After the molt is complete and the old leaves have shrivelled and dried the new leaf begins to grow, this is the time to water lightly every 2 weeks always allowing the soil mix to dry between waterings.

Summer - This is the rest period where Lithops require very little to no water. However a little water may be required if the plants begin to shrivel to much. Growing under shade cloth in hot climates is suggested.

On very hot days and in hot climates a little water or mist spray will prevent them from dehydrating and desiccating. In late summer to Autumn/Fall you will see the fissure between the two halves of the body/leaves begin to open, this is the sign to commence watering.

Key Moments

0:00 Introduction
0:26 Potting up small Lithops
2:23 When to water Lithops
4:48 How to water Lithops
6:40 Stretched Lithops and Overwatering
8:40 Watering/Flowering/Pollination

Top Tips

NEVER allow Lithops to be subjected to freezes and heavy frosts.

Use a low nitrogen, high potassium fertiliser.

Keep air circulation good and humidity low.