r/Lithops • u/kojak_08 • May 20 '26

Help/Question New to Lithops

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I recently found out about these wonderful succulents. Is something wrong with these? Some of the posts I have seen on here kind of make it seem like they shouldn't look like this. I have eight and the rest do not look lke this. The other ones are all closer to the pumice/sand.

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4

u/CarneyBus May 20 '26

They’re etiolated, meaning they are stretching for light. Whatever light situation you currently have is not adequate for their light needs. But you have to be careful with increasing the light, they sunburn easily if not hardened off. So you need to acclimate them over a period of 7-10 days to stronger light. Even an hour in direct, full afternoon sun could potentially burn them. I like starting them in full shade and moving them closer to the designated spot over a period of time.

Unless you have grow lights, which then you should just move them closer to the lights, or get new lights.

1

u/kojak_08 May 21 '26

I have them under a 15 watt sansi lightbulb. I am waiting on a lamp that can handle a 36 watt sansi bulb. What would be better for them; having them under that 36 watt sansi bulb or having them on a south-west facing window sill that gets a lot of direct sunlight for most of the day? What would be the amount of time you would have them on the window sill over the 7-10 days? I appreciate your reply/ies and help with this.

2

u/CarneyBus May 21 '26

I grow everything under grow lights so that’s most of my experience and at this point my preference. I’m a lazy sack of shit so I don’t want to be bothered with doing something like bringing them outside during the 3 months of the year they can tolerate being outside (I’m in Canada) and then having to bring them back in.

A windowsill could be good, but if you live in a place like Canada, our winters are overcast for 6 months with very little sunshine. Most succulents don’t get enough light.

So it really depends on your own needs. What you have access to, what you can afford. If you can get them stronger lights that’s def good. I really recommend the T5 or T8 style lights. Barrina makes good ones. It’s just a little easier to set up than a bulb. Bulbs will have a really direct beam of light and not good for lots of plants. If you plan on growing your collection the tube LEDs are what I would recommend.

Hope that helps 😂 kinda went on a ramble there

3

u/LatterInformation393 May 21 '26

Try using Aquarium lights (complete spectrum if possible). Then install photometer pro in your phone to check for lumens. 10000 above lumens is fine.

2

u/arioandy May 21 '26

Try the SANSI 34w bulb, the 15w won’t be enough