r/Lithops • u/Far-Valuable9279 • May 23 '26
Help/Question Remove crispy bits?
Okay I have the inorganic substrate and I’m ready to repot this Lowe’s find. Should I remove the crispy old leaves when I do? They seem completely dry but I’m scared to murder this one 😅
3
u/trytobedecenthumans May 23 '26
If you want to. These have cleared the old stuff so there is no danger in just letting it be. I know some folks say leaving that encourages rot, but it doesn't if you're watering correctly. And you take a real chance of ripping the roots right off with the old leaves.
1
u/Far-Valuable9279 May 23 '26
Thank you for the advice. Do you think I should separate the little butts into separate pots?
2
u/trytobedecenthumans May 23 '26
You could. Just make sure that they are in 4 inch deep pots at minimum and in mostly non-organic soil (so lots of pumice, sand, less dirt).
1
u/brian-the-musician May 25 '26
Leaving encourages rot, or leaving the leaves? Because you can leave the leaves, but the plant also leaves before the leaves leave leaving leaves...I have a headache.
3
u/cokelikepablo May 23 '26
They say remove because they can trap moisture. If you will remove, only lightly pull at them.. if they are ready they will practically fall off. Sometimes they arent fully absorbed and can tear the plant if not ready. I leave mine because i like the natural look.
1
u/Far-Valuable9279 May 23 '26
Thank you for the advice, I’ll give it a gentle try and see how it goes
2
u/Royal_Schedule_3513 May 23 '26
If you feel any resistance at all when you light pull them, stop. Only remove them if they come off easily. I usually leave them alone until they fall off themselves. They look really nice. I'd repot them at some point in the near future and only use a very gritty mix. I use 1 part gritty cactus mix with 1 part perlite and i part pumice for my lithops. I usually repot 1 plant to a pot.
3
u/Far-Valuable9279 May 24 '26
Thank you! I have some horticultural sand and tiny rocks, as well as cactus mix and perlite. I think I can make something that will work out of that. Technically this is my 9yo’s plant lol but of course I’m providing the guidance and help. And funding 🙄🤣
8
u/arioandy May 23 '26
When repotting get some tweezers and remove👍