Lithops, often called “living stones,” are captivating succulent plants native to southern Africa’s arid regions. Their unique appearance allows them to blend seamlessly with rocky surroundings. Splitting is a natural and necessary part of their growth cycle, indicating renewal.
Understanding Lithops Splitting
Why Lithops Split
Splitting is how Lithops shed old leaves and grow new ones, typically once a year. This essential process allows new growth to absorb moisture and nutrients from the older, outer leaves. By absorbing these resources, the plant conserves water, mimicking its dry native habitat. The old leaves shrivel, providing vital sustenance for the developing inner leaves.
The Splitting Process Explained
Splitting begins with a subtle fissure appearing between the existing leaf pair. As new leaves grow inside, they gradually push through this central split. The older outer leaves then slowly shrivel, becoming papery as their moisture and nutrients transfer to the emerging new growth. The new leaf pair often emerges at a 90-degree angle to the old fissure.
Essential Care During Splitting
Watering During Splitting
During splitting, Lithops actively absorb moisture from their old leaves, making additional watering unnecessary and potentially harmful. Cease or significantly reduce watering once splitting begins. Watering at this stage can disrupt the natural cycle, leading to bloated leaves or rot, as the plant already has an internal water supply. Resume watering only after the old leaves have completely dried and formed a papery sheath around the new growth.
Light Requirements
Bright, indirect light is important for Lithops during splitting. It helps new leaves develop properly and encourages old leaves to shrivel efficiently. While they need ample sunlight, protect them from intense, direct midday sun, especially during hot summers, to prevent scorching. A south or east-facing window is often suitable, or grow lights can provide consistent illumination for 12-14 hours daily.
What Not to Do
Avoid common mistakes to ensure successful splitting. Do not water excessively; this is a primary cause of rot and can lead to unhealthy, stacked leaves. Do not pick or peel off old leaves prematurely, as they still provide essential nutrients to new growth. Removing them too early can stress the plant and increase disease risk. Also, avoid repotting Lithops during splitting unless absolutely necessary, to minimize disturbance.
Troubleshooting Common Splitting Problems
My Lithops Isn’t Splitting
If a Lithops isn’t splitting, factors like age, growing conditions, or being off-cycle could be at play. Younger plants might not have reached maturity for their first split, and inconsistent watering or insufficient light can delay the process. Ensuring consistent, appropriate light and water conditions throughout the year can help align its natural growth rhythm.
Multiple New Heads
Some Lithops can split to reveal two or more new heads, leading to a multi-headed appearance. This is often a natural process of clumping and can indicate a healthy, thriving plant. While typically a positive sign, excessive splitting can sometimes be triggered by overwatering, which provides the plant with more moisture than it needs for a single new growth.
Rotting During Splitting
Rot is a serious issue, frequently caused by overwatering, especially when the plant is splitting. Signs of rot include mushy, discolored leaves, often turning brown or yellow, and a soft texture. If rot is detected, immediately stop all watering and assess the plant. In severe cases, it may be necessary to unpot the plant, inspect the roots for damage, and remove any mushy, brown sections before repotting in dry, well-draining soil.