From my perspective as a Lithops, the flowering event is the culmination of my annual growth cycle and represents a significant expenditure of my stored energy. The brilliant flower you witnessed was produced using resources drawn from my thick, paired leaves. Now that the bloom has faded, my internal biological focus shifts entirely from reproduction to survival and preparation for my next life stage. I am entering a period of recovery and will soon begin the critical process of developing a new body (a new leaf pair) inside my current one. This is a vulnerable time, and your care must align with my natural needs to ensure I successfully complete this transition.
Once the flower has completely wilted and dried, you may gently remove the spent bloom stalk. This process, known as deadheading, is beneficial for me. It prevents the decaying organic matter from becoming a potential site for fungal rot or mold, which could spread to my main body. More importantly, it signals to me that the reproductive effort is over, allowing me to redirect all my remaining energy reserves toward new leaf development rather than potential seed production. Use clean, sharp tweezers or scissors to carefully snip off the dry flower stalk as close to its base as possible without damaging my leaf tissue.
This is the most critical adjustment you must make. As I shift my energy to growing new leaves internally, my outer leaves will begin to shrivel, soften, and eventually dry into a papery husk. This is a normal and necessary process. The new leaves are absorbing moisture and nutrients directly from these old leaves. You must completely withhold water during this entire period. Any additional water at this stage is detrimental; it can cause the old leaves to re-plump, hindering the transfer of resources, and it can lead to catastrophic rot, as my new leaves are highly susceptible to excess moisture trapped inside the old shell. Do not water me until the old leaves are entirely crisp and papery.
To support my internal transformation, I require specific environmental conditions. Please ensure I receive plenty of bright, indirect light. Direct, intense afternoon sun might be too harsh while I am in this vulnerable state, but I still need strong light to fuel my photosynthetic processes. Maintain good air circulation around me to further discourage any fungal growth. Keep me in a warm location with stable temperatures, as I am now more sensitive to cold drafts or extreme temperature fluctuations. My metabolism is focused inward, and stable conditions help me conserve energy.
Once the process is complete and my old leaves have fully desiccated into a dry sheath, the new leaf pair will be revealed. Only after this old husk is completely dry should you consider a very light watering to encourage the new roots to establish themselves. The first watering should be minimal, just enough to moisten the soil slightly. Gradually return to your normal watering schedule, which means only watering when the soil is completely dry and my leaves show slight signs of wrinkling on the sides. With the correct post-flowering care, I will be ready to begin another growth cycle, eventually leading to another beautiful flower in the future.
