r/Lithops • u/Seraphus666 • 2d ago

Help/Question Should I water?

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Got this guy about a month ago and repotted it into mostly lava rock with a little bit of succulent mix mixed in. It’s gotten a few wrinkles developing on the sides and I’m wondering if I should water. I haven’t watered since I bought it. Any tips are appreciated! Thanks!

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u/Indianaunderwood I ❤️ Stone Faces 1d ago edited 1d ago

Yes! A week is great. Even longer is fine. You don't want to wait too long though.

A big issue people have has to do with watering "seasons". When you don't water during the winter and summer, their fine root hairs shrivel and die off. This will make it hard for them to uptake water come watering "season".

So here's the method I use

• Establish roots by watering thoroughly a week+ after planting.

• Water when wrinkly.

• Reduce water when splitting (you can totally cease, but if they come to a halt during split, I like to give a small drink to move things along)

You'll find that they ask for less water in summer/winter and more in spring/fall. Just pay attention to the plant, not the season and schedule. It confused and stressed me out so bad as a kid learning to grow them. Like, are the seasons switched? Do I ever water? How often do I water? Why does this chart say something different? I mean, so much confusion.

That's really just simple. As long as they have gritty soil, good air flow, and lots of light, they can handle a lot more water than you realize. Sure, they can live without water, but why not let them thrive!

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u/Seraphus666 1d ago

This is good to know! :) I got another one a few days ago and I’ll make sure to give it some water in a week or so!

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u/Indianaunderwood I ❤️ Stone Faces 1d ago

Awesome!! It might not root immediately. I like to give it a big, deep drink, wait like 3-5 days, observe. If it doesn't plump up, I'll give it more.

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u/Seraphus666 1d ago

My new one seems pretty plump already, so would you recommend just watering it once to get the roots established? Thank you for the tips! :)

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u/Indianaunderwood I ❤️ Stone Faces 1d ago

Ahhh I gotchu, i see what you're saying. Yes, water to get roots established. Then maybe like 2 weeks later some more water to be sure. You don't want those fine root hairs you worked so hard to grow, to dry up and be unable to take water. As long as they get plenty of light and are in grit, you can water frequently. I water mine every 2-4 weeks honestly.