How Does Lithops Safely Get Through Summer? A Full Breakdown of Practical Methods

Lithops is also called “butt flower”. It looks adorably cute and even blooms in autumn and winter, so it is deeply loved by the public. However, Lithops needs careful care in summer. Today the editor will share with you the methods for Lithops to safely get through summer.

1. Light

In summer, Lithops especially must avoid strong direct sunlight. Summer sunlight is intense, and Lithops planted outdoors or on a balcony can easily be killed by the sun. At this time we need to move it indoors to avoid sunlight exposure. Second, when grown indoors it also cannot be placed in a completely dark place; it still needs sufficient sunlight. If the light is insufficient, long-term watering can easily cause water accumulation, leading to root rot, so it is best to place it next to a window.

2. Watering

Under high summer temperatures, Lithops enters a dormant or semi-dormant state. For the plant's safety, at this time we should appropriately control water. Generally, when the temperature is below 30 degrees Celsius, the plant is in a semi-dormant state, and we can appropriately supplement some water; the amount of water at one time should not be too much. When the temperature reaches above 30 degrees Celsius, the plant is in a dormant state, and at this time we should stop watering, so as to avoid too much water accumulating in the pot soil and causing root rot.

3. Soil

Soil is extremely important for the growth of Lithops. A fertile, loose, well-drained sandy soil is suitable. Avoid heavy clayey soil with poor drainage. You can mix soil manually, using leaf mold, coarse river sand and vermiculite blended together, then add a small amount of bone meal and a fungicide for disinfection and sterilization. You can also add a little pumice soil and other artificial materials for better results. If it is a succulent bought from a store, you can buy some special nutrient soil for succulents.

4. Temperature

Lithops fears high temperatures and stuffy, hot environments, and prefers cool environments. Therefore, when caring for it in summer, pay attention to its placement. It is best to place it in a cool, shady spot. If it is placed in a place with excessively high temperature and stuffiness, it will go dormant, causing it to stop growing and easily die. The most suitable temperature is 10-30 degrees Celsius, so in summer special attention must be paid to temperature changes.

5. Ventilation

Ventilation is extremely important for Lithops. With insufficient ventilation, the plant is prone to mold infection and even to turning to water. Therefore, the growing environment is relatively important and needs good ventilation, so that the plant will not have problems. If there really is no wind, an electric fan can be used to provide artificial ventilation for the plant, increasing the chance of the plant successfully getting through summer.

The above are the tips for Lithops to safely get through summer compiled by the Tuliu.com editor. Have all of you who love Lithops learned them?