First, you must understand our intrinsic rhythm. We Lithops are not like other plants; we operate on a strict seasonal cycle. Our primary method of water absorption is not through our leaves in the traditional sense, but through a single taproot. The old leaf pair, which you see looking soft and wrinkled, is not meant to absorb water. On the contrary, it is our designed mechanism for survival. We are programmed to draw all moisture and nutrients from these old leaves to fuel the growth of the new pair emerging from the center. If you water us during this critical splitting phase, you interrupt this process. The plant, confused by the external water source, may abandon the reabsorption effort, leading to rot as the old leaves remain plump and wet against the moist soil, or may cause the new leaves to split abnormally.
The health of our subterranean parts is absolutely paramount. That single, long taproot is our lifeline. If it is damaged, rotten, or desiccated, we simply cannot drink, no matter how much water you provide. Root rot, often caused by soil that retains too much moisture or pots without proper drainage, is a silent killer. The roots turn mushy and brown, losing all function. Conversely, if we have been too dry for too long, our roots can desiccate and die back. When you finally water, there are no healthy roots left to perform the absorption. In both cases, the plant is effectively disconnected from its water source, and the leaves will remain shriveled.
Our comfort in our pot directly dictates our ability to function. We hail from arid, mineral-rich environments. If you plant us in standard, organic-rich potting soil, it is like forcing us to live in a wet sponge. This medium holds far too much water around our root system, promoting the rot mentioned above and creating an anaerobic environment that is hostile to healthy root growth. Without well-draining, gritty soil (a mix of mostly perlite, pumice, or coarse sand), our roots suffocate and fail. Furthermore, inadequate light plays a role. We need abundant, direct sunlight to power our internal processes, including water uptake and transpiration. In low light, our metabolism slows to a near halt, and we enter a dormant state where we simply will not drink, as doing so without sufficient energy to use the water could lead to fatal swelling and bursting.
Often, the issue is not a problem at all but a misalignment in expectation. Our watering needs are exquisitely seasonal. We require water primarily in late spring and late summer/early autumn, coinciding with our growth periods. During the height of summer, we are often dormant to escape the extreme heat, and in the winter, we are completely dormant. If you are trying to water us during our natural dormancy, we will categorically refuse to absorb it. Our body is programmed to shut down, and introducing water will only lead to stagnation around the roots and inevitable rot. The shriveled leaves are a normal sign of dormancy, not a cry for help.
