Lithops, commonly known as “Living Stones,” are fascinating succulent plants native to the arid regions of Southern Africa. These unique organisms evolved a form of mimicry, resembling the pebbles and rocks of their environment to evade herbivores. Their unusual appearance and slow growth rate make them highly prized among plant enthusiasts. Propagation can be accomplished through two primary methods: growing them from microscopic seeds or dividing naturally-occurring offsets on mature plants.
Establishing the Ideal Propagation Environment
Successful propagation requires a highly specific growing medium and sterile conditions. The ideal substrate must be extremely porous, reflecting the rocky, low-nutrient soils of their natural habitat. A mix consisting of at least 80% inorganic material, such as coarse river sand, pumice, or granite grit, combined with minimal organic matter, provides the necessary drainage.
The high mineral content ensures water drains rapidly, preventing root rot, which Lithops are highly susceptible to. Containers should be shallow, as Lithops roots are not extensive, and must possess excellent drainage holes. All pots and the growing medium should be sterilized, often by pouring boiling water over the substrate, to eliminate fungal pathogens that cause damping off.
Step-by-Step Guide for Seed Propagation
Propagating Lithops from seed begins with preparing the medium. Seeds can be soaked in water for a few hours prior to sowing to encourage germination. Since Lithops seeds are dust-like and require light to sprout, they must be surface-sown directly onto the prepared, moistened substrate. They should not be buried, though some growers lightly cover them with a thin layer of fine sand or grit for support.
After sowing, the environment needs high humidity to trigger germination, achieved by covering the container with a clear plastic dome or bag to create a mini-greenhouse. This setup must be placed in a location receiving bright, indirect light, with temperatures maintained between 70°F and 80°F. Direct sunlight should be avoided during this stage, as the enclosed environment can quickly overheat the delicate seeds.
Germination is gradual, typically beginning within one to four weeks, but it can spread out over several months. During this period, the substrate must remain consistently moist, best achieved through bottom-watering or a gentle mist to avoid displacing the tiny seeds. Once the first minuscule seedlings emerge, the high humidity dome should be slowly vented to introduce airflow and prevent fungal infections.
The young seedlings, appearing as tiny, translucent spheres, require consistent moisture to establish their root systems. They should be kept under the high-humidity cover for at least two to four months, or until they develop their first true leaves. Constant vigilance is necessary during this phase, as the transition from a highly controlled, moist environment to a more open one is the most challenging part of development.
Propagating Mature Lithops Through Division
Division is the asexual propagation method used for mature Lithops that have naturally produced multiple heads or offsets. This process is generally performed when the plant is actively growing, typically in autumn or spring, and involves separating the individual pairs of leaves. Only multi-headed plants should be considered, as each separated head must possess a healthy root system to survive independently.
To divide the plant, it is carefully removed from its pot, and the soil is gently brushed away from the roots to expose the connection points. A sterile, sharp blade should be used to cut the connection, ensuring the new division retains a substantial portion of the root mass. Any cut surfaces must be allowed to dry completely, or “callous,” for several days to a week before replanting.
This callousing period forms a dry seal over the wound, significantly reducing the risk of bacterial or fungal entry and subsequent rot. Once the cut is dry, the new plants can be replanted into the prepared, gritty medium, positioning the plant so the top surface is nearly level with the soil. After repotting, the divisions should be left completely dry for one to two weeks before the first light watering.
Caring for New Growth and Transitioning Young Plants
Post-propagation care focuses on gradually adjusting the new plants to the adult Lithops care cycle. Seedlings, having spent months in high humidity, must be “weaned” off the plastic cover once they are a few months old. The cover is removed entirely, and the young plants are introduced to good airflow and a slightly drier regimen. They still require more frequent watering than mature plants during their first year.
For the first few months after division, the offsets need time to anchor their roots in the new substrate. The initial light watering after the callousing period encourages root establishment. After this, the grower should wait for the plant to show visible signs of thirst, such as slight wrinkling, before watering again.
The first “shedding” cycle in young Lithops is a transition where the plant absorbs moisture and nutrients from the old leaves to grow a new, inner pair. This process usually occurs in winter or spring, and all watering must cease entirely during this time. Providing water during the shedding cycle can interfere with nutrient transfer, causing the plant to grow elongated or rot.