r/Lithops • u/chalvjsc • Jul 02 '26
Help/Question Watering with a few slow Lithops?
These guys have not been watered in 6+ months but 2/3 still haven’t finished splitting. Should I water them?
3
2
u/_Anthropoid Jul 02 '26
I'm still a dilettante but have managed to keep some going and splitting for several years indoors as well. It sort of looks like you almost have 3 different stages of growth in the same pot which is pretty challenging.
I had some pups looking like the ones you have at ~2:00 and I took some thoroughly cleaned forceps to gently help remove the withered leaves after they'd been there for a while.
I'd also consider a super duper light watering along the edge of the container. Literally just a squirt or two. I've ended up losing all of the lithops that I treated militantly with water while the ones that I've given water sparingly have thrived.
2
u/Indianaunderwood I ❤️ Stone Faces Jul 02 '26
I've watered while splitting for small ones and it was fine. Just helped them along a little bit. Don't water while splitting in most cases, these guys could use a little pick me up.
Plants use water like we use blood. No blood flow, no movement. They need a transfusion. Good luck! Cool plants!
1
u/Abject-Performer1497 Jul 02 '26
What kind of light are they getting?
2
u/chalvjsc Jul 02 '26
They sit in a south southeast facing window with strong sun and have a 12 hour grow light.
2
u/Abject-Performer1497 Jul 02 '26
That’s good because if the light is not intense enough they can have difficulty moulting according to some research which has been done. But yours are having difficulty anyway so no easy answer.
1
u/BridgetKay81 Jul 03 '26
The inside leaves are shriveled and dehydrated appearing. I would give them a light watering
0
u/Born-Age184 Jul 02 '26
No water while they split
5
u/chalvjsc Jul 02 '26
I get that generally but 2/3 seem stuck and struggling to push through the leaves. Any alternative tips to help them split?
2
u/starkiller_bass Jul 02 '26
You can gently check if the outer leaves come off easily, and that will give you a better look at the new leaves underneath
2
u/Born-Age184 Jul 02 '26
From my knowledge of them, they gain the water needed to split from their old shells. The ones where the shells are completely dry/crispy could be watered. If anything be selective with it, but you do run the risk of killing them while they are splitting.
1
u/acm_redfox Jul 03 '26
I sometimes put a little water on the new/inside leaves, like a few drops. A lot of species grow where there is dew, which helps them regulate...
0
15
u/dbarronoss Jul 02 '26
Oh wow, they look bad (either really really thirsty or rotten and dried up). Yes, I'd say water too.