TY, Tarev!

wow Sheryl!!!

It's a pretty fantastic place, really. I think you all should do a pilgrimage here.... I will gladly host anyone!

Too, Tarev - the former Succulent curator refused to water in the summer, so I think that also speaks to how hardy they are. I will double check - we just got a new curator (from UC, Berkley!) and I'll see if he has any hints for ya'll...

But yeah, these guys are not in direct sun, but they withstand 110+ degrees each summer, and it got *very* chilly last winter for us - worse, it was 3-4 days in a row - hitting freezing at night. Deadly to many of the DBGs succulents.

So I decided to get another set of Lithops. The first one I have which started this thread is so looking dead already

So starting anew, going back to square one. Got these Lithops last Easter Sunday:



I had them outside today, but have placed them back indoors for now, we may have some late season rains tomorrow. So for those who grow Lithops..there is one there in this batch that has full opening or seems to be splitting..should I give these guys some water....or just hold off still? It looks so dry.

they do sort of look dry but when they split the do suck the moisture from the splitting leaves and they eventually dry up revealing a new set underneath. What medium do you have them growing in under the gravel?

I removed some of the lava rock cover and it shows just the usual cacti mix with some perlite in it. Media really feels very dry.

I don't think you're supposed to water when they're absorbing their skins. Their watering "schedule" is tricky to figure out.

Planto

Yeah, that is what is catching me off track ...I am trying to peek inside the split of one that is more wide open, so far I see nothing inside, just a split.

I know my error on my first one was that I did not bury the plant a little more, and may have been too excited to give it some water in mid-Spring after being overwintered indoors so it died

Just on pins and needles on this new one..but I have it outside now, giving it as much sun it can get. Rain forecast too low but it has been very windy.

Tarev,
Sadly, that's about all I know about Lithops. Just their tricky watering habit. But, I swear I remember reading somewhere not to water while they're shedding skin. They're already absorbing "water" from the old skins, so watering now would be too much and they could rot.

Planto

Thanks Planto I have read that too in my browsing..am just a worry wart having lost the first one already.

So keeping a hands off approach..resisting the urge to water

Tarev,
Sure thing. Lol, Lithops are one of those plants that you need some kind of device to smack you when you get the urge to water. They're so cute and you just want to make sure they survive, but I think less is more with these guys. More die from overwatering or watering at the wrong time of year than do not getting enough water IMO. It's also easier to rectify underwatering than it is overwatering.

Planto

Agree! Making the decision when to water or not especially after being overwintered..that makes it so tough

tarev,


Planto

are these individual plants planted together or joined?

I have not dug that deep enough to see if they are joined....I do not want to disturb the roots.

Hi Tarev just saw this thread, I think when they are about to bloom they split like that...not %100 sure. But mine always had the young plant present right below the surface of the outer one if it was in that phase of growth!!
Also I learned to spray mist mine, and have had 2 now that have lived through the winter!! Hooray! I've had several die in the past but these ones look great! If I remember I'll take a photo tomorrow!

Thanks Greg! Pics would be nice!

Here are the 2 that I have, I know one isn't a lithops, its a Pleispilos 'Royal Flush'


Both are doing great!

Love that first one, like a brand new egg in the middle That's a very happy looking Pleiospilos! Love them both!

Here is my Pleiospilos nelli: so far this one is enduring a bit better.

She looks like an old cave woman to me!! Cute!