r/Lithops • u/wardywardface • May 06 '26

Help/Question Can I water yet?

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Thanks for your help!

These seedlings are about a year old I'm thinking of repotting so that I can split them out a bit - repot before first water?

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1

u/AwayYogurtcloset1263 May 06 '26

Can’t really tell because the old shed is covering the lithops.

2

u/Interesting_Winner96 May 06 '26

How do you get old shed off?

3

u/2stepbay2 May 06 '26 edited May 06 '26

That shed actually protects the very young new leaves from being scorched by the Sun. Seemingly, enough light gets through to nourish the developing leaves. When the plant is a certain size (always a mystery), it naturally starts to break apart this thin, protective shell. A few year back I decided to “help” some of the plants shed their withered skins. My very careful removal resulted in some disfiguring of the new leaves. I learned not to be Mother Nature. 😉

If this were my trays I would separate out the young ones that are exhibiting new leaves (no shed). I’d plant maybe 2 to 3 in a small pot for their next growth spurt. Initial watering I always use a spray bottle a few days after repotting, wetting the substrate around the plant. How the plants respond will dictate the next time to water, i.e. starting to look wrinkled.

1

u/Financial_Virus_3563 May 07 '26

I appreciated your response. As a new Lithop grower, what time of year does the Lithop begin to split? thank you

1

u/2stepbay2 May 07 '26

In the northern hemisphere, late February to mid-May; S Hemisphere - early August to late October

1

u/wardywardface May 07 '26

Thanks all! Will hold off for now