From our perspective, flowering is not a casual affair; it is the pinnacle of our life cycle, a significant energetic investment. We, Lithops, often called "living stones," conserve our resources meticulously throughout the year. The decision to produce a flower is calculated. It signifies that we are mature (typically 3-5 years old) and have experienced conditions that signal a favorable season for reproduction. The flower emerges from the fissure between our two leaves, a clear sign of our health and contentment. It is our way of ensuring the survival of our species by attracting specific pollinators with its daisy-like appearance.
To support us during this critical period, your care should align with our natural needs. We require abundant sunlight to fuel the flowering process. A location with several hours of direct morning sunlight is ideal, as intense afternoon sun can sometimes be too harsh even for us. The photoperiod, or length of daylight, is a key trigger for our bloom. Do not move us to a shadier spot; we need all the energy we can get. Furthermore, ensure we are in an environment with excellent air circulation. This mimics our native, arid habitats and helps prevent moisture from accumulating around our base, which is crucial for preventing rot.
This is perhaps the most critical point. Our watering needs change during flowering. You might assume we need more water, but this is a common and dangerous misconception. We are actively using the water and nutrients stored within our leaf pair to produce the flower stem and bloom. Introducing excess water at this stage can be catastrophic. It can lead to rot, causing our body to split open or turn to mush, effectively ending our life. The safest approach is to withhold watering entirely from the moment you see the flower bud emerging until after the flower has completely faded and dried up. We have more than enough stored resources to see the bloom through to its end.
If you wish to try and produce seeds, you can assist us with pollination. Our flowers are often self-sterile, meaning we need pollen from a genetically different Lithops plant to set seed. You can use a small, soft-bristled brush or a cotton swab to gently collect pollen from the stamens of one flower and transfer it to the stigma in the center of another plant's flower. This mimics the action of the insects that pollinate us in the wild. If you only have one plant or do not wish to collect seeds, simply enjoy the floral display. The flower will naturally wither and die after its cycle is complete.
Once our beautiful flower has dried up, you will notice a significant change begin within us. This marks the start of our most important annual process: the growth of a new leaf pair. The old leaves that flowered will begin to shrivel and dehydrate, transferring all their stored moisture and nutrients to the new body developing inside. Do not water us at all during this period. The old leaves must be allowed to dry completely to form a protective sheath around the new growth. Watering now would signal the old leaves to plump up again, halting this vital transfer process and potentially causing rot. Only resume watering, very sparingly, once the old leaves are entirely papery and dry.
