Lithops, often called “living stones,” are captivating succulents known for their unique stone-like appearance. These plants, native to the arid regions of Southern Africa, have evolved to blend seamlessly with their rocky surroundings. For enthusiasts, propagating Lithops offers a rewarding way to expand a collection. The process demands careful attention and patience, but successfully growing new plants from seed or division is achievable.
Propagating Lithops from Seed
Preparing for Seed Sowing
Propagating Lithops from seed begins with careful preparation. Choose shallow trays or pots with ample drainage holes. The growing medium should be very gritty and well-draining. A suitable mix typically contains a high percentage of mineral components like pumice, coarse sand, gravel, or perlite, with a low amount of organic matter, ideally around 15-20%. Sterilizing the growing medium before sowing can help prevent issues like damping-off disease by eliminating potential pathogens.
Sowing and Germination
Once the container and medium are ready, moisten the soil slightly. Lithops seeds are tiny, so sprinkle them evenly over the surface of the prepared medium without burying them, as they require light for germination. After sowing, gently press the seeds to ensure good contact with the soil, then lightly cover them with a very thin layer of fine sand or crushed rock to retain moisture.
Consistent moisture is important during this stage, maintained through bottom watering, misting, or by covering the container with a humidity dome or plastic wrap to create a mini-greenhouse effect. Optimal germination temperatures range from 20-28°C (70-80°F). Place the container in bright, indirect light, avoiding harsh direct sun. Germination can take anywhere from a few weeks to several months.
Caring for Seedlings
After germination, maintain specific conditions for delicate Lithops seedlings. Continue to provide consistent moisture, keeping the soil evenly moist but not waterlogged to prevent rot. As seedlings develop, gradually introduce airflow by removing the humidity dome for increasing periods, which helps prevent damping-off disease.
Watering should be done carefully, ideally by misting or bottom watering, to avoid disturbing the tiny plants. While young Lithops seedlings have a higher tolerance for moisture than mature plants, they still need excellent drainage. Provide bright, filtered light; direct intense sunlight can be too harsh for the tender seedlings during their first year. Seedlings typically remain in their germination container for up to a year before transplanting.
Propagating Lithops by Division
Propagating Lithops by division is suitable for mature plants that have developed multiple heads. This method clones the parent plant. The process involves carefully unpotting the mature Lithops, taking care not to damage the plant or its taproot.
Once unpotted, gently remove the soil around the roots to expose the individual heads. Separate the individual offsets, ensuring each division has its own viable root system attached. If any cuts are made during separation, allow the cut surfaces to “callus” or dry for a few days before repotting. This callusing process helps prevent rot when the plant is reintroduced to moisture. Always use clean, sterilized tools to minimize the risk of introducing pathogens.
Care for Newly Propagated Lithops
Newly propagated Lithops, whether from seed or division, require specific care. These young plants benefit from bright, indirect light; too much intensity can damage their tender foliage. A south or east-facing windowsill often provides suitable light conditions.
Watering frequency for young Lithops is generally more consistent than for established plants, but good drainage remains essential. The soil should be allowed to dry out between waterings, but not remain dry for extended periods, especially during their active growing seasons. Good drainage in the potting medium and air circulation around the plants helps prevent root rot. Lithops thrive in temperatures between 18-24°C (65-75°F) during their active growth, though they can tolerate higher temperatures when dormant.
Troubleshooting Lithop Propagation
Several common issues can arise during Lithops propagation. Lack of germination might stem from non-viable seeds, or conditions that are too cold or inconsistent. Ensuring the correct temperature range (around 20-28°C) and consistent moisture can improve germination rates.
Damping-off or rot in seedlings often occurs due to overwatering, poor air circulation, or unsterilized growing medium. This condition can quickly destroy young plants. To mitigate this, ensure the medium is well-draining, allow some airflow, and consider sterilizing the soil before sowing. Increasing airflow and reducing excessive moisture can sometimes halt its spread.
Leggy seedlings, characterized by elongated growth, indicate insufficient light. Providing brighter, diffused light can help correct this and encourage more compact growth.