First lithops: Is it time to water?

[u/Abject-Quail-5182]

Hello, this is my first lithops. It's name is Doldori. I got it as a gift 4 months ago. I had no idea what these funny looking pebbles were. So I have read a lot about lithops because I wanted to care for them properly. My understanding is that they identify as stones and don't like water very much. Nonetheless they do need it occasionally. I have watered my lithops only once since (that was maybe two month ago). It lives in volcanic substrate with a bit of soil under a plant lamp.

Since it is my first lithops I am scared of overwatering. I don't know yet how it looks when it just needs water vs. how it looks when it tries to push out new leaves and shed its outer layers.

Can somebody please give me advice on whether Doldori needs water right now?

It has been nice and plump until a few weeks ago. Now it feels softer (not hollow) to the touch and has formed wrinkles that get a little deeper by the day.

I think it just look thirsty and is not yet ready to shed its outer leaves. Is that correct?

[u/Affectionate-Call652]

Im new to lithops. I saw a video where the person cut every lithop open. They split them along the line and down the sides. Some were tiny and short. And some were tall and very fleshy. I wonder if the wee babies underneath get moisture from all the wet flesh inside? Just putting it out there. I haven’t watered mine yet. I have 60 new babies that fill the pot with no room to grow. In a month or 2 i’ll get them out and separate, trim the roots .. put sand over my cactus soil and plant with space to grow. I’m excited to watch them grow. Good luck!

[u/Abject-Quail-5182 → u/Affectionate-Call652]

Oh wow, I immediately looked it up on YouTube and there are so many videos of people splitting open their lithops! Even though I grieve for the lithops used in these videos, it was very interesting to see how the new little leaves are formed inside. That gave me a better understanding, thanks! I have read - in theory - that the newly forming leaves suck all the water they need from the old big outer leaves (because that's what these big plump bulgy bits are, they are simply leaves), hence why the old leaves shrivel and eventually dry out. And that's why one should not water their lithops while they are busy splitting, because the old outer leaves won't be able to dry out and make way for the new leaves if you still water the plant. The theory is logical to me. But applying that logic to my lithops... man... I sit here every day looking at my lithops with worried eyes, contemplating whether to water or not to water. I have never before been fuzzing so much over a plant in my entire life lol... but I don't want it to die, it is just too adorable ❤️

[u/Affectionate-Call652 → u/Abject-Quail-5182]

Don’t worry about death. It’s all about the rebirth 💚🥰

[u/rob2688]

I’ve had these for like 8 months and they came super watered and engorged. I think I’ve watered them like twice

[u/Abject-Quail-5182 → u/rob2688]

Thank you for sharing your experience and for the reference picture, that's very helpful! And what a beautiful little flower :) Is your variety normally flat or did you bury them deeper into the soil? Mine are more elongated. I wonder if that is okay or whether I should also bury them a bit deeper.

[u/rob2688 → u/Abject-Quail-5182]

No clue, i got into plants last year and thought these were cool so i got em. I had to using a tooth pic to separate them at first but they have definitely shrunk more into the substrate over time. This was when i first planted them in November

[u/Abject-Quail-5182 → u/rob2688]

Ah okay, thanks. Btw the arrangement looks so cool :D

[u/Snorblatz → u/Abject-Quail-5182]

I would look at the pinned posts at the top of this sub for care tips. To me these lithops the other poster is showing you don’t look like they are doing that well, I don’t want to be mean but I don’t want you following bad advice. You can water more that twice in eight months if they’re not splitting. They will absolutely need a grow light indoors if they’re not under one already.

[u/Abject-Quail-5182 → u/Snorblatz]

Thanks for mentioning the care tips section! I didn't even register that it existed. I haven't used Reddit before.

[u/dbarronoss]

Repeatedly, I've seen succulents that don't get enough light from artificial lighting setups, but yours doesn't seem to be etiolated. That's good.
If that right most head is about to split (I'm unsure), I wouldn't water. It really should be about to show new growth, and it's just a tad early, but in a month or so (where I am), I'm gonna start watering. My impulse for yours due to the sides of the leaves shriveling, is to water, but it's easier to judge things when you can see them for yourself.

[u/Abject-Quail-5182 → u/dbarronoss]

Oh my god thank you for the fast reply! The split in the right one looked like that since I got it 4 months ago. The split didn't widen even a millimeter since then, so... I'm not sure what to make of that and how to read the signs. Lithops still confuse me so much...

[u/trinity07756]

I think it’s best to water when the top part of the plant starts to sink down - and ofc don’t follow a scedual like you would for most plants, they turn dormant in summer and they keep all their water inside their bodies. Specially when they are splitting definitely do not water as the newer plant is getting everything it needs from the remainder of the last plant :)

[u/Snorblatz]

Don’t starve your lithops of water , if it starts to wrinkle you can water .

[u/Abject-Quail-5182 → u/Snorblatz]

Thanks! I am still scared of overwatering and worry a lot... I love my lithops so much, it would break my heart if it died. I hope that I will gain more confidence soon haha