Lithops, often called “living stones” due to their resemblance to pebbles, are unique succulent plants native to Southern Africa. They thrive in arid conditions by storing water in their specialized leaf bodies. Proper repotting is important for their long-term health.
Why and When to Repot Lithops
Repotting Lithops addresses issues with the growing medium and accommodates the plant’s root system. Over time, soil can degrade, losing its gritty structure and becoming too organic, which retains excessive moisture and leads to root rot. Moving newly purchased Lithops from unsuitable nursery soil into a fast-draining mix is another common reason. Repotting also allows for inspection and trimming of roots, promoting healthy growth.
Optimal repotting timing aligns with their growth cycle. The best time to repot is during active growing seasons, typically spring or early fall. This allows the plant to establish new roots before dormancy or intense growth. Some growers prefer to repot in spring after new leaves emerge and the plant has had its first watering. Seedlings are usually transplanted after 8 to 24 months, once they develop a robust taproot.
Essential Preparations: Pot and Soil
Selecting the right pot and preparing an ideal soil mix are important for successful Lithops repotting. Unglazed terracotta pots are recommended because their porous nature allows for better airflow and helps the soil dry out more quickly. Pots should have ample drainage holes to prevent water accumulation and root rot.
While Lithops are small, they develop a long taproot, requiring a pot deep enough to accommodate it, typically 3 to 5 inches (7.5 to 12.5 cm) deep. The pot’s width should provide just enough space around the plant, about 0.5 to 1 inch (1.25 to 2.5 cm) from the plant to the edge, without being excessively wide, which could lead to prolonged soil moisture. The soil mix must be extremely fast-draining, gritty, and contain minimal organic matter. A suitable mix often includes components like pumice, perlite, akadama, coarse sand, and lava rock, with only a very small percentage of regular potting soil or coco coir. Some growers even use pure pumice or a mix that is 90% inorganic material.
The Repotting Process
Removing the Lithops from its old container is the first step. Gently squeeze the pot sides to loosen soil, then invert while supporting the plant to slide it out. Inspect roots for rot or damage, and gently remove as much old soil as possible, especially if it is a heavy, moisture-retentive mix. Some growers rinse roots with warm water to remove stubborn soil, drying them thoroughly afterward.
Lithops have a prominent taproot; some growers trim excess root hairs or the middle of the main root to encourage new growth, though others prefer to keep the main root intact. After preparing the plant, fill the new pot with the chosen gritty soil mix, almost to the top. Create a hole in the center deep enough to accommodate the taproot. Carefully place the Lithops into the hole, ensuring the taproot points downwards and the plant’s body sits just above the soil line. Gently backfill around the plant and lightly compact the substrate.
Post-Repotting Care
Immediate care after repotting Lithops is important for successful establishment. Delay watering for several days to a week, or even up to a couple of months, after repotting. This allows damaged roots to heal and reduces the risk of rot. Once roots have settled, a light watering can be given, but only if the plant shows signs of thirst, such as slight wrinkling.
During this settling period, place the repotted Lithops in a location with bright, indirect light. Avoid intense direct sunlight immediately after repotting, as this adds stress. Minimize disturbance to allow the plant to focus on growing new roots. Overwatering during this phase can lead to root rot. As the plant shows signs of new growth and stability, a more regular, Lithops-specific watering schedule can be resumed.
Troubleshooting Repotting Issues
Lithops can exhibit signs of stress after repotting. Wilting or wrinkling often indicates thirst or struggling roots. This can happen if the plant is moved from a more organic mix to a very gritty one, as it needs to develop a larger root system to absorb water. If wrinkling occurs and the plant was plump at repotting, it may simply need more time to recover, and watering should still be delayed until roots are established.
Rot is typically caused by overwatering, especially immediately after repotting or if the soil mix retains too much moisture. Signs of rot include softening or discoloration of the plant’s body. If rot is suspected, unpot the plant, remove affected parts, allow it to dry thoroughly, and repot into a drier, grittier mix. Lack of growth or etiolation (stretching) can occur after repotting, often due to insufficient light or an overly rich soil mix. Ensuring adequate bright light and a lean, gritty substrate helps prevent these issues and promotes compact, healthy growth.