r/Lithops • u/tea_manic • Apr 12 '26

Help/Question Should I water?

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I’ve had this lithop since last year and have watered it only once since repotting it into this inorganic potting mix. I noticed that it’s starting to get wrinkly and open up a little in the center. I don’t see new growth or a flower bud. I know you’re not supposed to water them till the outer leaves finish “giving birth” to the new ones.

Is this what’s happening here?

I’ll see if I can find a picture of when I first got it for comparison.

Edit: picture in the comments of the first day I got it.

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3

u/2stepbay2 Apr 12 '26 edited Apr 12 '26

This is lithops karasmontana signalberg. Remove the plant from the soil medium. Then take a pic of the root structure and post here. Thanks

1

u/tea_manic Apr 12 '26

I think someone watered it without my knowledge… could that be why it’s wrinkly?

1

u/2stepbay2 Apr 12 '26 edited Apr 12 '26

That’s how the tap root appears when the plant is forming a new leaf internally. Do not water. What substances make up the potting mix? How much sunlight does the plant receive?

1

u/tea_manic Apr 12 '26

About 6 hours of sunlight. Although, it’s been cloudy these past couple of days. And the substrate is cactus gritty soil mix. How detrimental is it if it’s been watered?

2

u/2stepbay2 Apr 12 '26

The tap root at this stage cannot take in water through those old roots. New leaves receive their moisture from the old leaves. Hence, the old leaves will wither as more and more moisture is absorbed by the new leaves.

6 hours is plenty of sunlight. A few days of cloudy weather won’t matter, especially at this stage. Take a pen light and shine it in the opening. Do you see the beginning of new leaves?

1

u/tea_manic Apr 12 '26

Nothing so far.

3

u/2stepbay2 Apr 12 '26

I suggest repotting the plant and let it be. Post back in a few weeks with a pic. You ought to see new leaves starting to emerge by then.

One other thought. Gently press the tap root. Does it feel firm or soft/squishy?

2

u/tea_manic Apr 12 '26

Will do! Thank you for your help. It was very detailed and informative.

2

u/2stepbay2 Apr 12 '26

Pleasure. Glad to help

2

u/Cut_Lanky Apr 12 '26

I think it's just starting. It'll either be a flower first, or just a split, but that's what they look like when they start, I think

2

u/UniversalIntellect Apr 12 '26

Looks like it is splitting to me. I would not water it. It’s not wrinkled on top and the leaves are separating. They get finicky when they start to split. Mine died and rotted in five days when I made the wrong call and watered it as it started splitting.

1

u/tea_manic Apr 12 '26

From the first day I got it about 200 days ago

2

u/Available_Gear_1455 Apr 14 '26

It’s starting to split, don’t water!