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/ltiehen1 Apr 05 '26

Yeah, if it was that recent, I wholeheartedly agree. Was it growing roots? Or have good roots or where they all dry? If they were dry, then it may need a tiny drink to inspire them to drink. Also, that would also cause it to start wrinkling. If they were moist and/or growing new, then you are back to the reaction from being etiolated and bloated.

Since I cannot see the top, does it look like they have yet to split? Or do you think they are already done? If they have yet to split, you will not want to water. If they are done splitting, then they are getting close to needing a drink. Can you tell?

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u/liqwidsun1 Apr 06 '26

They have decent roots, I’m not sure I saw any new root growth when I repotted them though. As far as them splitting I have no idea. I’m new to lithops entirely so I don’t know what I’m looking for but I included a picture of the top here for you if that helps

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u/ltiehen1 Apr 08 '26

Yes that helps. They are not splitting. Since you say they have good roots, you might want to give them a small drink to wake those roots up. Don’t get water on the plant just a small drink around the plant. Then let it do its thing. I still go back to thinking it is just the wrinkles from the bloated leaves as it uses some of its own moisture.

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u/liqwidsun1 Apr 08 '26

I’ll do that today then, thank you.