A Detailed Guide to the Correct Method for Repotting and Root-Pruning Lithops

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In summer, succulents of the Sedum type are busy with shading and ventilation and are left alone, but there is a type of succulent that is instead fussed over in summer, and that is the equally popular succulent - Lithops. When transplanting Lithops seedlings or repotting mature plants, it is best to do so in summer, when the old plant is very wrinkled or completely dried out. If repotting is done too early in spring or early summer, the old plant will likely absorb water, and will therefore coexist with the new plant for far longer than normal.

When repotting Lithops, we usually pinch off the tips of the seedling's long roots and cut the lignified main root and lateral roots of mature plants to a convenient length for handling, but usually they need to be cut back until the root is exposed. After a long dry period, the root system of Lithops will die back from the tips for a considerable length. Sometimes the root system is infected by a white powdery fungus, which also causes the roots to die back and lose their ability to absorb water. Sometimes the roots form a thick corky outer layer. In all these cases, the roots need to be cut back until fresh white tissue is exposed. If necessary, the roots need to be completely removed down to the base of the plant. When repotting, it is best to remove the still-remaining soft, wrinkled old plant, and also to remove some completely dried skins and flower stalks.

After root-pruning Lithops, we can plant the plants in a new pot and water thoroughly immediately. If they are very dry, the plants will usually respond multiple times and swell up within 24 hours. Over the next 2-3 weeks, before all the plants show obvious signs of having rooted and of absorbing water and growing, the soil should be kept moist but not waterlogged, which is usually best achieved by the soak-and-dry method. Frequent, even daily watering from above also helps, especially in a dry, hot climate. Once all the Lithops have rooted, the watering schedule can be normalized, gradually lengthening the watering interval until they receive the same treatment as the rest of the Lithops.

It is recommended to provide some shade for a few days to a week or longer after repotting Lithops. The pots or trays can be placed in a more shaded spot than the usual top of the staging or plant stand, or covered with a frame fitted with shade cloth, wire mesh or plastic mesh.

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