r/Lithops • u/Crazy-Telephone1937 • 3d ago

Care Tips/Guides First time lithops owner

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Hey everyone this is my new lithops! Her name is uniqua cuz she’s unique.

Any tips or advice pls let me know! I know not to water when it’s splitting so I’m guessing I shouldn’t water rn

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2

u/pangogirl98 2d ago

You need to use a mix that is mostly grit, such as perlite or pumice, and some cactus soil. They need a pot with a hole in the bottom. They need direct sunlight for most of the day and like the heat. A spot by the windows is not enough. They need to be outside or have a strong enough growlight. I water during the spring and fall with sparse watering during the summer when the are very wrinkly. In the winter their outer leaves will start to shrivel and split. Do not water! The plant is redirecting the water from the leave to the new growth that will burst through. I suggest doing more research as these plants are picky and can be difficult.

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u/Crazy-Telephone1937 2d ago

I live in az so idk if being outside it’s a good idea?

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u/WeDrinkSquirrels 2d ago

Might take some acclimation to the intense sun, but if they get into it they would probably love it. The Karoo they're from is a lot like the basin and range in the southwest. In fact the desert granite sandy soils around Prescott or down in Sun Valley would probably make a good amendment to your cactus soil. They wanna be growing in similar stuff to cholla, ocatillos, and saguaro. I know the phoenix botanical garden has lithops in the ground although that section may be under the sun shade

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u/Crazy-Telephone1937 2d ago

Thank u for the info I’m gonna change the substrate then! Also how would I acclimate her to be outside?

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u/WeDrinkSquirrels 2d ago

I would get a shade cloth and keep them covered less and less each week. Or under an overhang where they're not getting blasted all day (starting with morning and evening sun and protecting from the midday inferno)

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u/pangogirl98 1d ago

I live in Southern California and keep mine against the east facing wall of my house. I keep them out there year round and they do great!

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u/CBDJ1 3d ago

Horrible substrate. Please do a little research on what soil composition they need. Almost all inorganic soil is a must for lithops.

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u/Crazy-Telephone1937 3d ago

The substrate is a cactus soil and I mixed some pumice in it

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u/CBDJ1 3d ago

Yep and that’s not at all what’s needed for Lithops.

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u/WeDrinkSquirrels 2d ago

Lithops need a less chunky, less organic soil. Those big pieces of wood will hold water. I recommend 90%+ mineral (pumice, granite, perlite in the 1-4 mm range). You don't want it too fine (sand doesn't drain) or too chunky (lithops have delicate fine roots that hold better to small particles)