Common problems in growing lithops

The growth rate of Lithops is not slow?

Regarding the growth of Lithops, many people feel that it looks the same every day, grows too slowly, and is complicated to manage. Although its peculiar appearance is loved by many people, this misleading information has caused many people to ignore it.

Lithops are generally propagated by sowing in March and April , and the seedlings emerge about 6 to 15 days after sowing. At 3 months, the plantlets can reach the size of mung beans. By late October , the plant can reach 12 mm by increasing the amount and duration of light. Every year, Lithops sheds its skin and new plants grow inside.

How to break the dormancy of Lithops?

We found that the determining factor causing Lithops dormancy is temperature, followed by light. To break the dormancy of Lithops, we must start from this aspect. Practice has shown that as long as the temperature is maintained at 15-28 degrees from late spring to early autumn, one-year-old seedlings are given less nitrogen fertilizer, dilute phosphorus and potassium fertilizers are applied frequently, 70% of the light is shaded, the light time is shortened to 5-7 hours a day, and a temperature difference of 8-10 degrees between day and night is formed, Lithops can grow all year round.

Usually the temperature at home is maintained at 15~28 ℃ all year round, and Lithops can grow all year round.

How to speed up the growth of Lithops?

Under temperature-controlled conditions, after winter in northern regions on heated sunny windowsills or enclosed balconies, Lithops will begin to split its old leaves for the first time before the Spring Festival. At this time, you should apply appropriate fertilizer and increase the amount of watering slightly. Do not shade the plant because the ultraviolet rays are reduced when sunlight passes through the glass. Loosen the cultivation medium every half a month without damaging the root system. Continue until early April and the new leaves will grow to the same size as the old leaves.

What soil to choose for potted lithops?

Like other succulents, Lithops currently uses soil as the main cultivation medium. The overall focus is on two points: loose and breathable, and rich in organic matter. You can choose Clivia soil on the market, add 1/3 perlite or vermiculite as the cultivation medium, and add a small amount of superphosphate. Although it is not a special soil for succulents, it is quite practical.

When planting Lithops, place a 3-4 cm thick layer of broken pot pieces, add 2 cm of fine brick particles, put some rotted sheep manure or oil cake, and then put in the mixed culture soil to 1 cm from the edge of the pot, compact it slightly, use bamboo sticks to poke holes, carefully place the roots of the Lithops seedlings, squeeze from all sides and bury them at the junction of the rhizome. It doesn't matter if some individual plants shake slightly.

What fertilizer should be applied to Lithops?

According to the practice of many flower lovers, the best base fertilizer for Lithops is rotted sheep manure. But sheep manure is rare, so let’s talk about something practical. You can choose decomposed potassium fertilizer, mix it with a small amount of phosphorus and calcium, and supplement it with trace elements and nitrogen fertilizer. This can effectively promote the growth of the plant roots, make the plant root system grow well, the leaves become full and shiny, the number of split heads increases, and it is easy to bloom and set seeds.

You can also choose to spray fertilizer on the leaves, using commonly used nutrient solution for foliage flowers. When the new leaves are emerging from the old leaves, apply urea directly, 6-8 grains for large plants and 3-4 grains for small plants, to promote the rapid growth of new leaves. However, it is necessary to prevent water from accumulating in the new cracks and causing the plant to rot. Fertilizing and watering should be carried out at the same time. Try to apply fertilizer in small amounts and frequently. Do not be impatient to avoid fertilizer damage.