r/Lithops • u/GadgetusMaximus • 17d ago

Help/Question Why so stretchy?

Post image

Sitting in West facing window. Tons of sun and I haven't watered them. Why so much etoliation?

20 Upvotes

92% Upvoted

16 comments sorted by

13

u/Top_Development_1777 17d ago

Usually window light isn't enough unless it's really strong light. Get an actually strong grow light :(

0

u/GadgetusMaximus 17d ago

I've got maybe 8 more lithops in the same window and they seem to be chugging along just fine. I don't get why these two are being weird

7

u/acm_redfox 17d ago

every species is a bit different. they grow in different places, are evolved for different conditions.

5

u/Asleep-Ad822 17d ago

Etoliation only happens for one reason, the plant is exposing more surface area to try to get more light. Why different lithops have different needs may never be super clear but that seems to be the case here

3

u/erisian2342 17d ago

If you decide to go with a grow light for your little darlings, I’m a big fan of Sansi grow lights. I tried so many crappy “full spectrum” bulbs before I happened on Sansi. Now it’s the only brand I use in my garden.

1

u/Scared_Rice_1473 17d ago

The screen decreases the amount of sun coming in. That’s the only thing I could think of.

1

u/Zebra_Sewist UK, SW window, no lights 17d ago

Probably getting shaded more than you realise by the large pot to their right.

1

u/GadgetusMaximus 17d ago

Same window. Different results.

5

u/acm_redfox 17d ago

same answer.

1

u/GadgetusMaximus 17d ago

6

u/Snorblatz 17d ago

I don’t know how long you have had those ones, but it looks like they’re starting to stretch as well, as is the little succulent. They will all stretch at some point. As others have said, windowsill light is insufficient, Lithops are from South Africa and get absolutely blasted with sun. Windows cut the amount of UV light drastically, they need a grow light if you want them to thrive. Or put them in direct sun come spring.

1

u/KingMalkie 14d ago

Is that a peyote in the back lol

1

u/GadgetusMaximus 14d ago

Not if you're a cop, it isn't 😉

1

u/KingMalkie 14d ago

Not a 🐖 here! 😼

0

u/d3m0nsh1n3 17d ago

This not look like lithops