This Is Exactly How Often To Water Your Living Stones

Who knew that a tiny rock-like plant could be so intriguing? Living stones, or Lithops, are fascinating succulents that have captured the hearts of many plant lovers. Resembling small pebbles, these plants have a unique way of surviving in their natural habitat, which makes their care requirements quite different from your average houseplant.

One of the most common questions new Lithops owners ask is, "How often should I water my living stones?" This post will guide you through understanding the specific watering needs of these peculiar plants, along with other essential care tips to keep them healthy and thriving in your home.

Getting to Know Your Living Stones

Before we jump into watering, let's get to know these little gems a bit better. Lithops are native to the arid regions of southern Africa. They're masters of camouflage, blending seamlessly with the stones around them to avoid being eaten by herbivores. Their unique shape and color variations make them a favorite among collectors.

Understanding their natural environment can give us clues about how to care for them. In the wild, Lithops receive very little rainfall, often going months without water. This means they're exceptionally drought-tolerant, and their watering schedule should mimic these dry periods.

Understanding the Watering Cycle

Living stones have a specific growth and dormancy cycle that directly influences how often they need water. Typically, they have two main growth periods: one in the spring and another in the fall. During these times, you'll notice new leaves emerging, and this is when they need water the most.

However, during their summer dormancy (when temperatures are high) and their winter rest period, watering should be minimal or even completely halted. Overwatering during these times can lead to root rot or even kill the plant.

How to Water During Growth Phases

During the growth phases in spring and fall, water your Lithops sparingly. Here's a simple guide:

• Check the soil: Ensure it's completely dry before watering. Lithops don't like sitting in wet soil.
• Water deeply: When you do water, do it thoroughly to encourage deep root growth.
• Frequency: Typically, watering once every 2-3 weeks during active growth periods is sufficient.

Keep an eye on the plant's appearance. If the leaves start to wrinkle slightly, it's a sign that they need water.

Watering During Dormancy

During dormancy, the rules change. In summer, when the plant is resting, it's best to withhold water entirely. High temperatures combined with moisture can lead to problems. In winter, water very sparingly, maybe once a month or less, depending on your indoor climate.

A good rule of thumb is to wait until the outer leaves have shriveled and the new pair is fully developed before considering watering in winter.

Choosing the Right Soil

Soil plays a crucial role in the health of your Lithops. They need well-draining soil that mimics their natural habitat. A specialized cactus or succulent mix is a good starting point, but you can tweak it for even better results.

• Mix equal parts of succulent soil, perlite, and coarse sand for excellent drainage.
• Avoid heavy garden soils or those that retain too much moisture.

Consider using a shallow pot with drainage holes to help prevent water from pooling at the bottom.

The Role of Light

Just like in their natural environment, Lithops need plenty of sunlight to thrive. A south-facing window is often ideal, providing bright but indirect light throughout the day.

If natural light is insufficient, especially during the winter months, you might need to supplement with a grow light. Just be careful not to overexpose them, as too much direct sunlight can scorch the leaves.

Temperature Considerations

While Lithops are tough little survivors, they do have their temperature preferences. They thrive in temperatures between 65°F and 80°F (18°C to 27°C) during the day. They can handle cooler nighttime temperatures, but try to keep them above 50°F (10°C).

Avoid placing them near drafts or sudden temperature changes, as this can stress the plant.

Common Problems and Solutions

Even with the best care, problems can arise. Here are a few common issues and how to tackle them:

• Overwatering: The most common mistake. If you notice the leaves becoming mushy, reduce watering immediately and let the soil dry out completely.
• Underwatering: If the leaves become too wrinkled, increase your watering frequency slightly during growth periods.
• Pests: While not common, mealybugs can infest Lithops. Remove them with a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol.

Repotting Your Living Stones

Repotting isn't something you'll need to do often with Lithops, but it becomes necessary if they're outgrowing their pot or the soil has degraded. When repotting, handle them gently to avoid damage.

Choose a pot that allows for adequate drainage and replace the soil with fresh, well-draining mix. Repotting is best done during their dormant period to minimize stress.

Final Thoughts

Living stones are captivating plants that require a unique approach to care, especially when it comes to watering. By paying attention to their growth cycles and adjusting watering schedules accordingly, you can enjoy these charming succulents for years to come.

At Cafe Planta, we’re passionate about helping you succeed on your plant journey. Whether you’re looking for more tips or curious about new additions to your collection, reach out to us via email or connect with us on Instagram. We’re here to support you in creating a vibrant, thriving indoor oasis.