How to grow Lithops? Detailed explanation of cultivation methods and precautions
Lithops is a rather special succulent plant. It has many varieties, but they are all basically stemless, with fleshy leaves and a very thick epidermis, and the colors are rich and varied. Most importantly, there is a crack at the top, and a flower will bloom from the crack, which is why it is called Lithops (living stone). Below, QinNong.com will introduce the cultivation methods and precautions for this succulent.
I. Cultivation methods for Lithops
1. Soil
Lithops is not strict about its environment and is relatively easy to cultivate. Ordinary succulent potting soil can be used directly for planting. Of course, you can also mix leaf mold, calcareous material and river sand in a ratio of 4:3:3 to make your own, among which the calcareous material can be shell or eggshell powder.
2. Repotting
Planting and repotting of Lithops are both carried out in autumn. When repotting, first separate the plant from the soil, shake off the soil around the roots, cut off the old roots, and then replant it in new soil. Just be careful not to damage the fine roots during the operation. Lithops is highly adaptable, and different varieties of Lithops will not reject each other, so different varieties can be planted together in one pot.
3. Water and fertilizer requirements
Every spring is the peeling season for Lithops. At this time, fertilization should be stopped and watering should be controlled so that the old skin dries up as early as possible. Experienced growers can also directly peel off the old skin by hand when the plant shows signs of peeling, allowing the small plant inside to receive sunlight as soon as possible, so that the small plant will grow shorter and sturdier. However, those with insufficient experience may harm the Lithops when doing this, so extra care is needed. After the plant peels, apply a compound fertilizer once to promote robust growth of the young plant.
Watering is generally done at night or in the early morning when the temperature is lower. Do not water during the day when the temperature is higher, so as to avoid harming the plant due to a sudden drop in temperature. During cultivation, avoid rain exposure, especially prolonged rain or heavy rain, otherwise the top of the plant may split due to absorbing too much water. Avoid keeping the potting soil in a moist environment for a long time, as moss is very likely to grow in the pot.
4. Light and temperature
Lithops is a plant that relatively likes light. Apart from shading it by half in summer, it can be given sufficient light at other times, which will make the leaf color more beautiful. In addition, Lithops is not cold-tolerant. The minimum temperature in winter should not be lower than 10°C, and it is best to keep it indoors in a sunny place for maintenance.
II. Precautions for growing Lithops
The best period for Lithops growth is from late autumn to the following spring. This is the most critical period for care, and it is also the growing period. High summer temperatures are not suitable for its growth, so it is the dormant period. Therefore, during care, pay attention to water and temperature control during the growing period and the dormant period.
The above is what QinNong.com has introduced to you about the cultivation methods and precautions for Lithops. Have you learned them? Seeing such a small, delicate and very cute plant, do you have any thought of taking a pot home?