Lithops, commonly known as living stones, are succulents native to the arid regions of Southern Africa. These plants evolved to mimic surrounding pebbles and stones as camouflage against grazing animals. Due to their compact size and slow growth rate, Lithops are popular among collectors who wish to expand their selection or replace older specimens. Propagation typically involves either sowing seeds or carefully separating clustered plant bodies.
Propagating Lithops from Seed
Starting Lithops from seed is the most common method for propagation, yielding numerous new plants.
The process begins with preparing a highly porous substrate, such as a blend of coarse sand, perlite, and low organic matter. Sterilizing the substrate is highly recommended to eliminate fungal spores and competing organisms that could kill the delicate seedlings. This sterilization can be achieved by heating the medium before use.
Once the pots and cooled substrate are ready, scatter the tiny seeds evenly across the surface of the soil. Since Lithops seeds require light to germinate, press them lightly to ensure good contact with the medium, but do not bury them. Bottom watering is the safest method for initial moistening, as pouring water from above can easily displace the minute seeds. After sowing and watering, covering the pot with a clear lid or plastic wrap creates the necessary high-humidity environment for germination.
Germination is best achieved with consistent temperatures between 20°C and 28°C. Place the covered pots in a location that receives bright, indirect light. Direct sun on a closed container can rapidly increase the internal temperature and cook the emerging seedlings. Keeping the top layer of the substrate continuously moist during this initial germination phase is important.
Propagating Lithops by Division
Propagating Lithops by division is a faster method that creates clones of the parent plant. This technique is only possible for mature Lithops that have developed into a cluster with multiple individual heads. The ideal time for division is typically after the plant has completed its annual leaf-splitting cycle and flowering period. To begin, carefully remove the multi-headed plant from its pot and gently clear the roots of soil.
A sterilized, sharp blade is used to separate the clustered heads, ensuring that each resulting division retains its own portion of the taproot. The taproot stores water and is necessary for the division to survive. After separation, the fresh cuts must be allowed to air dry completely for several days. This callousing period allows the cut tissue to form a protective layer, preventing the entry of pathogens after repotting.
The divisions can then be replanted into individual pots using a well-draining, mostly inorganic substrate designed for mature Lithops. Each pot should be deep enough to accommodate the full length of the taproot without forcing it to curl. After planting the calloused divisions in dry soil, wait at least a few days before attempting the first light watering. This waiting period allows any minor root damage to heal and prevents immediate rot.
Establishing New Lithops Seedlings and Divisions
The care requirements for newly propagated Lithops differ significantly from those of established adult plants. Young seedlings must be transitioned slowly from the high-humidity environment maintained during germination. Once germination is evident, remove the humidity dome or plastic cover gradually over several days to acclimate the sprouts to normal air circulation. Providing ample airflow is a preventive measure against fungal issues and damping off, which are major threats to young plants.
For the first few months, seedlings need consistently moist soil, a stark contrast to the infrequent watering required by mature Lithops. The substrate should not be allowed to dry out completely during this period, but it should never be waterlogged. This high-moisture requirement is slowly reduced after three to four months, until the seedlings are approximately one year old and can be treated like adult plants. The young plants require bright, indirect light for the first six months to prevent stretching or etiolation.
New divisions, having been repotted with calloused roots, must be kept in dry soil until new root growth is established. Watering should only be resumed once the plant shows signs of rehydration, such as a slight plumping of the leaves, or after a few weeks have passed. Both divisions and seedlings should be maintained in a specialized, highly porous medium with low organic content to ensure rapid drying after watering.