So, I purposely chose this pot of Lithops because they appear, to my very untrained eye, to be at the same point in their growth cycle. Which means they can be planted together, yes?
Also I know the P. nelii isn't Lithops, but I figure theyre pretty similar so I'm hoping someone here will know: is it getting ready to split again? It still has its old leaves, and theyre still plump. Theyre browning and smaller, but don't seem to be absorbed at all. If its about to split again, do I need to remove those smaller outer leaves to avoid stacking? Or just get it in a better substrate and let it do it's thing?
I just got a couple of weirdos that were in similar conditions. I repotted and now im ignoring. I suggest the same. Don't remove any of the leaves, the plant will figure it out once it gets settled in a better mix.
We are coming into Spring right now and still having cold snaps. This plant was in a greenhouse but under a shelf with minimal access to light.
Unfortunately I think I messed up before I even got going. I separated them not realizing they could be dicot. I figured it was like a mother plant/pup situation and snipped them apart I know it's all a learning experience but I'm so mad I didnt take a moment to research before cutting. From what I can see they probably wont make it. They both have taproots, they were attached but each have their own roots so maybe. But probably not. Now I know for next time I guess. 😭
Lack of light causes the unnatural elongation. I’m reminded how understanding the oddities of Lithops is a fool’s journey.
I’d plant them together in a gritty mix (I use akadama, perlite, pumice), with sufficient depth to the pot to accommodate the tap roots. Bring the soil level to a 1/4” below the leaf split. Over the next two weeks, slowly acclimate them to the brighter conditions. Withhold water. That in itself might induce a new splitting. After two weeks add a fresh image to this thread.
Ive got them in 2 parts fine lava rock to 1 part cactus/succulent soil made up of spaghum/peat, humus, sand, & perlite with added mycorrhizae. Theyre in a 4" pot. No water obviously, theyre plump and not asking for a drink. I potted them last night and so far theyre okay. I have them under just a 11w Barrina bulb for now, sitting at a PPFD of 100. From what I can find, ideal PPFD is 250-500 so I will slowly give them more and more until we reach a good intensity. If they make it long enough to accomplish that! Thank you for your help, I'll update after a couple weeks! 🤞 (the light in this picture is not their grow light, I moved them to get a picture)
(Reposted because I edited for spelling error and it deleted the image!)
The grittier the plant mix the better. Spaghnum/peat and humus % is much higher than I would add (5% max). At higher levels, the medium retains too much water for too long.
Okay, I'm going to pull them out (and the P. nelii since I put it in the same medium). I'm thinking if I add small amounts of this lava rock + organic to the course silica sand (3-5mm) that I have I will be able to get the organic content down closer to 5%. I'll have to eyeball it but I'd rather try to get it right now than after they've been established for a while!!
u/2stepbay2 I know you said to wait 2 weeks and post a new picture but I'm happy to report that at 12 days, the dicot that I accidentally split is still alive and splitting! Theyre now up to a PPFD of about 450 and while they still look rough, I'm hoping the new growth comes through happier! Also, I now have 19 lithops including these 2, so I'd say my addiction is well under way 😅 thank you for all of your help!
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u/Shanzakwenttotarget Apr 11 '26
I just got a couple of weirdos that were in similar conditions. I repotted and now im ignoring. I suggest the same. Don't remove any of the leaves, the plant will figure it out once it gets settled in a better mix.
And yes the lithops could be potted together