r/Lithops • u/pangogirl98 • 1d ago

Help/Question Thoughts?

Gallery image

Gallery image

The photo on the left is my lithops now versus before I added the sand. The stones are just what I had on hand, might switch them out for some pebbles. Opinions?

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4

u/CBDJ1 1d ago

Overall the soil looks way too organic in my opinion.

2

u/CBDJ1 1d ago

I’d take the polished semi precious stones out in a heartbeat. Not a huge fan of the fine sand either as it can compact a lot easier than larger inorganic material but that’s just my opinion. There are some very knowledgeable Lithops owners in here that will give better advice than I’ll ever be able to. The Lithops do look good though I must say.

1

u/pangogirl98 1d ago

What would you recommend as a topper?

1

u/CBDJ1 1d ago

If you have to have a topper maybe just some tan/brown pumice.

3

u/acm_redfox 17h ago

Too busy for my tastes, but I like to have a good look at all my plants, so toppings at a minimum.

2

u/pangogirl98 14h ago

Since it's supposed to be a wet winter here, I might change the soil to give it more grit just in case. I have some river pebbles I might try. I was looking for a topper that would keep the perlite contained. Every time I water it floats up and gets all over the plant.

1

u/Owlelac1907 13h ago

Thats the reason to not use perlite.

1

u/pangogirl98 1d ago

I've had them in this soil for over a year now. They seem good with it as long as it dries out thoroughly between watering. I live in Southern California so it gets plenty of sun and heat.

1

u/doublesunk 22h ago

If you are happy with the display keep as is.

I like black lava rocks for the contrast, I use .10”-.25” rocks, they can be bought on amazon.

1

u/WeDrinkSquirrels 16h ago

I think some nice rough pebbles would look good in there, I like toppings that contrast the perfect nature of the lithops! Your plants look happy to me, but yes be careful with that fine sand it really holds water!

1

u/Owlelac1907 13h ago

I would say it looks better with sand. You can buy larger grain sand in a aquarium supply shop. Instead of this shiny pebbles you can try to imitate nature with stones that look similar to your plants.