Watering on lithops
What's Happening
Lithops species follow a strict annual growth cycle with distinct dormant periods. They have a single pair of leaves that are replaced annually; during leaf replacement, the old leaves transfer water to new leaves forming inside. Improper watering during this critical phase causes splitting, rot, or failure to complete the leaf cycle.
How to Fix It
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1. Withhold all water during summer dormancy (late spring through summer) regardless of wrinkling
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2. Resume watering in late summer/early fall when new leaf pairs begin to emerge and split the old leaves
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3. Water sparingly during active growth (fall and early spring) only when soil is completely dry
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4. Stop watering when flower buds appear in fall; resume after flowering completes
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5. Never water when old leaves are being absorbed - the plant is using stored internal water
How to Prevent It
Understand Lithops annual cycle: summer dormancy (no water), fall flowering (no water), winter growth (minimal water), spring dormancy (no water); use extremely well-draining soil (90% inorganic); provide 4-6 hours direct morning sun; resist watering when leaves appear wrinkled during dormancy - this is normal