Why Are My Lithops Leaves Dropping?

Lithops bromfieldii

By Kiersten Rankel

Jun 18, 20243 min read

Uncover the secret to keeping your Lithops happy and intact πŸŒ΅β€”no more mysterious leaf drops!

Lithops
  1. Overwatering and underwatering both lead to Lithops leaf drop.
  2. Light balance and pests are critical factors affecting leaf health.
  3. Seasonal care adjustments help maintain Lithops' well-being.

Spotting the Trouble Signs

🚨 When It's More Than Just Old Age

Lithops, like fine wine, age with a certain grace, but yellowing leaves are a distress signal, not a sign of maturity. When leaves look like they've been through a shredder, it's typical shedding. However, if they're dropping off-season, sounding alarms should be going off in your head.

πŸ•΅οΈβ€β™‚οΈ Visual Clues and Symptoms

Plump and happy is the Lithops leaf ideal. If they're deflating like a failed soufflΓ©, it's time for a wellness check. Rust-colored bumps and leaves auditioning for "The Walking Dead" are clear indicators that your plant is calling out for help.

Lithops bromfieldii plant in a small pot with dark, rocky soil.

The Usual Suspects: Causes of Leaf Drop

πŸ’¦ Too Much Love: Overwatering Woes

Overwatering is a silent killer for Lithops. It's like throwing a pool party for your rocks, but they can't swim. Root rot sets in, and leaves drop like flies. To correct this, let the soil dry out before you even think about watering again.

🏜️ Thirsty Stones: The Perils of Underwatering

On the flip side, underwatering turns your Lithops into a thirsty stone. Leaves shrivel and drop as if they're on a dehydration strike. The fix? Water deeply, but only when the soil screams drought.

🌞 Sunburns and Shade: Finding the Light Balance

Lithops can get a sunburn or become the plant equivalent of a couch potato. Too much light, and they're fried; too little, and they're dropping leaves out of sheer boredom. Aim for a Goldilocks zone of bright, indirect light.

🐜 Uninvited Guests: Pests and Diseases

Pests like mealybugs and diseases can turn your Lithops into an all-you-can-eat buffet. Leaves drop as a distress signal. Keep an eye out for webbing or stickiness and show those freeloaders the door with appropriate treatments.

Lithops bromfieldii plant in a small pot with rocky soil, appearing healthy.

Turning Over a New Leaf: Solutions and Prevention

πŸ’§ Watering Wisdom: Perfecting the Pour

Watering your Lithops should be as precise as a Swiss watchmaker's movements. Check the top inch of soil; if it's dry, it's time to water. If not, step away from the watering can. These succulents prefer a drought to a deluge. Use room-temperature water to avoid shocking the tender roots. And remember, drainage holes are non-negotiable.

🏑 Home Sweet Home: The Right Pot and Soil Mix

Choosing the right home for your Lithops is like picking a tailored suitβ€”it needs to fit just right. Opt for pots with drainage holes and keep them snug; an oversized pot is a soggy disaster waiting to happen. The soil mix should be a gritty, well-draining concoction, think potting soil with a dash of sand or perlite. It's about creating a mini desert oasis, not a swamp.

πŸ“… Seasonal Shifts: Adapting Care with the Calendar

Adapt your care routine as the seasons change. Water sparingly during the active growth in fall and spring. In summer, ease up even more, and in winter, water is practically taboo. It's like giving your Lithops a taste of their native habitat's seasonal rhythms. Stay vigilant, and your Lithops will reward you by thriving through the year's ebb and flow.

Lithops bromfieldii plant growing in a repurposed beverage can, well-lit and focused.

Ensure your Lithops stays plump and happy by letting Greg guide your care routine 🌡, adapting to each season for perfect watering and light conditions.