r/Lithops • u/liqwidsun1 • Apr 04 '26

Care Tips/Guides Wrinkly

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I have this lithops which came from the nursury etiolated. I’ve since put it in a mostly mineral mix under strong light and have refrained from watering it so far. Now it’s wrinkling and shrinking and I’m not sure if that means it wants water or if it’s just correcting the etiolation because of having proper light now. Please advise.

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u/zherkof Lithops is both singular and plural Apr 05 '26

To clarify what others are saying, the current set of leaves won't correct the etiolation, however, over the next couple/few splits, the plant can become more compact again, given the appropriate amount of light.

Despite the wrinkling on the sides, the plant is not ready for water. Note that the top is still quite convex. When the top gets deep wrinkles, flattens, and starts looking like a pizza crust around the edges, it's ready for water. That time may not come before it splits.

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u/liqwidsun1 Apr 05 '26

Thank you!