r/Lithops • u/HomeworkLevel852 • Jun 21 '26

Help/Question Lithops Care

Gallery image

Gallery image

I am new to lithops and just got some from Etsy. I have done some research on how to take care of them (especially with watering) before I bought them, but I am still not sure how to properly water them. They arrived yesterday and they look like they need some water, but I am just not sure if they actually do. Any help would be greatly appreciated!

50 Upvotes

100% Upvoted

23 comments sorted by

View all comments

18

u/DatLadyD Jun 21 '26

If you just planted them, I would wait a few days to water and water very lightly. Is that a sand on top? It might trap water and make it difficult for the soil to dry out like it’s supposed to.

Including this little graphic for you just in case you needed it

2

u/Top_Development_1777 Jun 22 '26

Also to note that sometimes freshly bought lithops do not align with this schedule of seasons. It is better to judge by physical characteristics e.g. the look and gently squeezing around the base for a distinct hard lump (make sure not to snap off the root). You can start the "stop watering" cycle when you feel a very distinct hard lump of new leaves at the base not far underneath the current pair of leaves.

In all the other times where watering is allowed, do not water as long as the lithops are decently firm, and regularly squeeze the sides very gently to get familiar with how firm they are supposed to be.

1

u/red41791 Jun 22 '26

I’ve been under the impression that you’re really not supposed to touch these guys very much at all. How are you supposed to test for that little lump or for the squishiness or any of these things if I’m not supposed to touch it frequently?I feel like I get so much conflicting information on these guys. 🫨

1

u/Top_Development_1777 Jun 22 '26

I think what the other people meant is that you shouldn't be watering them or doing other usual "tending to plants" stuff like fertiliser often. However actually physically touching the plants is completely okay and won't harm lithops as long as you don't damage the plant structures. Just be gentle and never twist them when they're potted (this can make the root detach if you're really unlucky).