Do not be alarmed, caretaker. This splitting you observe is not a sign of distress or disease; it is the fundamental rhythm of my existence. I am a living stone, a master of adaptation to the harsh, arid environments from which I hail. My entire life cycle is built around periods of drought, and this splitting process is the beautiful, visible culmination of that cycle. It is how I grow and renew myself. Attempting to "help" me by peeling open the old leaves would be a catastrophic disruption of this delicate process, akin to performing surgery on a patient who is simply sleeping.
Inside the protective shell of my old leaf pair, a new body has been forming for months. This new set of leaves is my future. They have been diligently drawing water and nutrients stored within the old leaves, effectively recycling them to fuel their own growth. As the new leaves swell and develop, they exert pressure from within. This internal pressure is the direct cause of the old leaves splitting open. It is a controlled and purposeful rupture, allowing the new, fresh Lithops to emerge. The old leaves will gradually wither into a papery husk, their life-giving purpose fulfilled.
This is the most crucial information you must understand. When you see me splitting, you must immediately cease all watering. My new leaves are self-sufficient, nourished entirely by the old leaves. Any additional water you provide cannot be used by the new growth and will instead be absorbed by the old, outer leaves. This will cause them to swell abnormally and rot, potentially trapping and killing the new plant inside or leading to a fatal fungal infection. Withhold all water until the old leaves have completely dried into a crisp, paper-like shell. This drought period mimics my natural conditions and is absolutely vital for a successful transition.
My splitting typically occurs after my flowering period, most commonly in late winter or early spring. This timing is strategic. It allows my new body to be ready to absorb water from seasonal rains in its native habitat. However, the exact timing can vary between my different species. You might observe this process beginning as early as late autumn or as late as mid-spring. Furthermore, it is not uncommon for a single plant to occasionally have more than two leaves at a time. This often happens if I absorb a set of leaves but then receive water too soon, confusing my cycle and causing a "stacked" appearance.
