How to Propagate Lithops: Mastering These Methods Is All You Need

Lithops, also known as living stones, is a plant that looks like a stone and can bloom, and it is very popular among plant lovers. So how do you propagate lithops?

1. How to propagate lithops?

1. Division propagation

(1) Division time: In spring and summer, when the leaves dry up and fall off and new leaves and 2-3 young plants grow, they can be divided.

(2) Division method: After removing the lithops from the pot, use a knife to separate the small plants from the base, then treat the wounds and place them in a ventilated spot to dry.

(3) Planting and care: Prepare loose, breathable potting soil; generally, a nutrient soil specially used for care can be chosen. Plant the treated young lithops directly in the soil, paying attention that its root system must not be damaged. Then place it in a cool, airy area for care. After about half a month, the young lithops will take root and survive.

2. Seed propagation

(1) Sowing time: April to May in spring.

(2) Sowing method: Soak the soil prepared for planting by the bottom-watering method so that the soil retains moisture, which can prevent the seeds from being washed away by watering after sowing. Then select healthy seeds, wash them, and they are ready for sowing.

(3) Sowing and care: Scatter the lithops seeds on the moist soil without covering them with soil. Keep the seed growth temperature between 15-25°C. After about 15 days, the seeds will sprout small buds. After that, gradually increase scattered light and water them an appropriate amount once every 3-5 days so that the seedlings can grow normally.

2. How to care for lithops?

1. Soil

To grow lithops, it is best to use loose soil with good breathability. Never use soil that is too sticky, otherwise its root system may not grow healthily. In addition, it is best to use soil with good drainage, otherwise once water accumulates in the soil, it will affect the development of its roots.

2. Temperature

Its optimum growth temperature is 15-25°C. It is relatively afraid of cold. In winter, the temperature must not be lower than 5°C, otherwise it will suffer frost damage and show poor growth. If the situation is serious, it may even be frozen to death.

3. Light

Except in summer, it can receive direct sunlight at other times. In winter, it needs to be placed in a spot with relatively good light conditions; in summer, it needs to be shaded to prevent overly strong light from scorching it.

4. Water

Do not water it too frequently, because it does not like water very much. If watered too much, it may cause root rot, and may also cause moss to grow around it, all of which will affect its normal growth.

Usually, it is enough to ensure that the top window of the plant has a certain firmness and does not become sunken when touched. In other words, when the top window of the plant becomes sunken after being touched, or even develops wrinkles, it means it is short of water and needs timely replenishment.