Do you think my lithops are too deep in the soil?
They sit just about flush with the soil and they seem to sink deeper and deeper slightly as time goes on. An issue or should I let them be? #Lithops #LithopsArmy #LithopsArmy
12ft to light, indirect
4” pot with drainage
Last watered 3 months ago
14
Best Answer
Hi @Kingdoubletap1😊
As far as I have understood, the lithops grow like yours in the wild, where they just bearly are poking their heads above the ground. They are quite special plants, they have "windows" on top which allows them to receve light and transport it down to the green parts that is underground to photosynhese 😄
I too have seen most potted lithops with more above ground, but I think that is more because it is cuter to look at, and not necessarily because that is whats right 🤷♀️
As far as I have understood, the lithops grow like yours in the wild, where they just bearly are poking their heads above the ground. They are quite special plants, they have "windows" on top which allows them to receve light and transport it down to the green parts that is underground to photosynhese 😄
I too have seen most potted lithops with more above ground, but I think that is more because it is cuter to look at, and not necessarily because that is whats right 🤷♀️
I love Lithrops! Kooky looking guys. Yours are great ones.
A good rule of thumb is to let Lithrops dry out completely during winter and spring. Thats when they’re creating new leaves, splitting out from the old ones (coolest part), and live via the water from the old leaves. I believe watering during this time causes overwatering. Is that a possibility ?
A good rule of thumb is to let Lithrops dry out completely during winter and spring. Thats when they’re creating new leaves, splitting out from the old ones (coolest part), and live via the water from the old leaves. I believe watering during this time causes overwatering. Is that a possibility ?
@DesertGreen I don’t believe so. I do let them thoroughly dry out and water as needed. I’m wondering if sitting flush with the surrounding soil is a benefit, detriment, or if it really doesn’t matter.
If they keep sliding down, and the soil (succulent soil), is completely dry, my advice would be to just leave them alone. They do need 6 hrs of direct sunlight, best in morning, but that’s it. The fun part is for the next 6 months, you get to watch them do their thing, without worrying about when or how much to water them. 😁
@Kingdoubletap1 ok, I did some additional research (just google…Lol), and all of the splitting images and illustrations show them about 1/3 - 1/2 above the soil line.
@DesertGreen Thank you. I appreciate the detailed answers. I love the goofy look of all my lithops!
@MockingJay You’re awesome! Thank you! The last photo you included has a beautiful pod of wild lithops.
@DesertGreen Thank you! Yeah I’ll leave them alone a while! Unless they look like they’re in dire need.
@Kingdoubletap1 their old leaf gets dry and crispy, but that’s just because the new leaves are getting their water from them.
@MockingJay thank you for the great info and pics!