Lithops, often called “living stones,” are unique succulent plants resembling pebbles. They undergo a fascinating growth process known as “splitting,” where new leaves emerge from between the old ones, marking a significant phase in their life cycle.
Understanding Lithops Splitting
Lithops typically split once a year, often in late fall or autumn as their active growth period begins. This annual renewal replaces old growth with new leaves. The timing can vary depending on environmental conditions and care, with some plants splitting as early as six months after germination.
Lithops split to replace existing leaves and develop new, often larger, growth. Emerging new leaves actively absorb moisture and nutrients from the older, outer leaves. This absorption causes the old leaves to gradually shrivel and dry, becoming thin, papery husks as the new leaves mature. The entire splitting process can take several months, though new growth typically becomes visible within a few weeks.
Identifying the Signs of Splitting
Recognizing the signs of splitting helps in providing appropriate care. A first indicator is a visible crease or line appearing between the existing leaf pair. This line deepens as new growth pushes outwards. A slight swelling or bulge may also become noticeable at the top center of the plant, signaling internal activity.
As the process progresses, tiny new leaves emerge from the central fissure of the old leaves. The outer leaves gradually lose turgidity, becoming softer, wrinkled, and visibly shriveling. This shriveling is part of the absorption process, as the new leaves draw sustenance from the old ones. The old leaves eventually dry completely, forming a papery outer layer around the newly formed plant body.
Essential Care During Splitting
Proper care during splitting is important for the Lithops’ health. The most important rule is to completely stop watering the plant once splitting begins. Watering should not resume until the old leaves have entirely dried and the new leaves are fully formed. This withholding of water encourages the new leaves to absorb all necessary moisture and nutrients from the old leaves, preventing potential rot.
If watered during splitting, the plant may cease absorbing the old leaves, leading to “stacking” where shriveled leaves remain attached and hinder growth. Maintaining adequate light exposure is beneficial during this period. Avoid disturbing the plant or attempting to manually peel away the old leaves, as this can damage emerging new growth.
Common Splitting Problems
If a Lithops does not split as expected, it may be due to improper watering, which can prevent new leaves from fully absorbing old ones. Insufficient light can also hinder the splitting process, or the plant might be in a dormant phase or off its typical cycle. While Lithops generally follow a seasonal splitting pattern, environmental factors can cause them to be off-cycle, which is not necessarily a problem if the plant remains healthy.
A single Lithops may split into multiple heads as the plant matures. Older Lithops can produce two or more new leaf sets during annual shedding, increasing the number of “bodies” it possesses. Over many years, this natural division can lead to attractive clumps.