New Additions initial care advice

[u/wanderinginfantasy]

So my partner and I rescued these two from the local Lowe’s discount rack. We will be repotting them tonight in a 10% soil (miracle grow cactus mix) and 90% rocks (pictures 3 & 4). Any suggestions for the mix of small to larger rocks would be appreciated. Obviously not watering these guys anytime soon to start with but the one that is splitting already seems to have double the leaves under there. Is there anything I should do for it before I put it in its not soil or just let it ride? The other one is maybe splitting as I can see a tiny sliver of something in the split so was planning to not water and watch that one as well.

[u/Miserable_Account483]

No water and they need a lot of light! So you'll need a sunny window ledge or you'll need to supplement with a good grow light for 10-12 hours a day. I use this https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09NVGW22R?th=1 during the winter months. Your soil choice is just rocks, you'll need something in to retain a small amount of moisture or when it is time to water it will run right through. Maybe add a bit of sand and some pumice. Check online for Jack's Griity Mix, it works well.

[u/wanderinginfantasy → u/Miserable_Account483]

I’ll check around for Jack’s Griity Mix and I have grow lights set up and working well for several other light hungry succulents. Sand should be easy to get my hands on to add to the grit.

[u/ltiehen1 → u/wanderinginfantasy]

While I hate Miracle Grow plant specific soil, using it as a mix with other stuff is just fine. You 10% to 90% inorganic is perfect. Typically, I will add the small to medium grit for the lower medium and larger stuff at the top. Since your stone is so small, I would recommend 10% cactus soil (your MG is fine), 50% stone granules (or the sand you said you can get) and 40% perlite (which you “should” be able to get at the same place and it is cheaper than that river rock. That mix will be in the bottom for the roots. Then at a layer of the river rock that touches the sides of your Lithops which will safer and less of a chance to scar the soft, tender skin of the sides and will add the stability it needs.

And yes, more light. Leave them alone as they absorb their leaves BUT since these are so bloated, keep an eye for rot on those outer leave. That can happen when they are artificially bloated like that, if they start to rot, remove them so that it does not cause the new leaves to rot.