Lithops Watering Chart and Seasonal Schedule

Lithops, called “living stones,” are succulents with specific watering needs different from many other plants. Their appearance is a direct result of adapting to harsh environments with scarce water. To cultivate these plants, one must understand their life cycle, as it dictates when they require moisture and when they must be kept dry. Watering at the wrong time is a common reason for failure, while a schedule based on their natural rhythm leads to success.

The Lithops Annual Growth Cycle

The life of a Lithops revolves around an annual cycle centered on the replacement of its leaves. Each year, a new pair of leaves grows by drawing water and nutrients from the old pair. This process is called splitting. As the new leaves develop, the old, outer leaves shrivel and soften, acting as a water reservoir for the emerging growth.

Once the new leaves have fully emerged, the old leaves become thin, papery husks. Following this, in late summer or fall, the plant may use its stored energy to produce a flower that emerges from the fissure between the leaves before entering dormancy.

Seasonal Watering Schedule

The watering schedule for Lithops is tied to its growth cycle and the seasons. The primary growing season is in the fall as cooler temperatures arrive. This is when the plant is most active, preparing to flower. Water the plant thoroughly, but only when the soil has completely dried out from the previous watering.

As winter approaches, all watering should cease. During this dormant period, the plant absorbs moisture from its old leaves to fuel new growth. The plant should be kept completely dry, no matter how shriveled the outer leaves appear, as watering now can cause rot.

When spring arrives, the old leaves should be papery husks. You can then provide a light initial watering to help the new leaves and their roots establish themselves. As the season progresses towards summer, watering can become more regular, but always allow the soil to dry out completely in between.

During the peak heat of summer, Lithops enter a second, heat-induced dormancy. Watering should be reduced significantly or stopped altogether to prevent rot.

Visual Cues for Thirst

While a seasonal calendar is a helpful guide, the plant provides the most accurate signals for when it needs water. A thirsty Lithops will show visual cues beyond the fine lines on its top surfaces. The most reliable sign is the appearance of deep wrinkles on the sides of the plant body.

These wrinkles indicate the plant has used up a portion of its internal water stores. A thirsty Lithops may also look slightly sunken or deflated. When you gently squeeze the plant, it will feel softer than a well-hydrated one. Wait for these specific signals, as watering a plump plant can lead to overwatering.

Critical Times to Withhold Water

There are two phases when providing water is particularly dangerous. The first is during the splitting process in winter. The plant is actively transferring water from the old leaves to the new ones. Adding external water at this time disrupts this process, causing the old leaves to absorb it, which leads to the entire plant rotting from the inside.

The second time to avoid watering is during the hottest part of summer. High temperatures cause Lithops to enter dormancy as a survival mechanism. A dormant plant is not using water from the soil, so watering means the soil stays wet for a prolonged time, creating the perfect conditions for fatal root rot.