First, do not panic. As a Lithops, my life is a cycle of growth and dormancy, and wrinkling is a normal part of that cycle. My structure is simple: I am mostly composed of a pair of succulent leaves fused together, which form a single "body." These leaves are my water storage units. When they are full, I am plump and smooth. When I am using my internal water reserves, I will naturally become softer, shriveled, and wrinkled. This is most common during two key phases: in the summer, when I am dormant to escape the extreme heat, and in the late winter or spring, just before I produce a new set of leaves. During these times, a wrinkled appearance is a sign that I am healthily metabolizing my old leaves to support my life cycle.
You must determine the cause of my wrinkling. The two primary causes are opposites: I am either too thirsty or I am drowning. The key to diagnosis is touch and timing. Gently squeeze my sides. If I am simply thirsty, my wrinkles will feel soft and flexible, and my body will give slightly under pressure, like a slightly under-inflated balloon. If I am rotting, my tissues will be mushy, discolored (often yellow, brown, or black), and I may collapse entirely. The timing of the wrinkling is also critical. If it is the peak of summer or I am about to split, wrinkling is expected. If it is the middle of my active growing season (autumn) and I am shriveling, I am likely signaling for water.
If you have confirmed I am thirsty and it is an appropriate time (typically during my growth period in autumn or early spring, but never during summer dormancy or when I am splitting), you may water me. However, my needs are specific. A light misting is useless and dangerous, as it can encourage rot on my top surface. You must give me a thorough, deep watering. Soak the soil completely until water runs out of the drainage hole at the bottom of my pot. Then, it is absolutely crucial that you allow the soil to dry out completely within a few days. I am adapted to infrequent, heavy downpours followed by long periods of drought. My roots need a cycle of soaking and drying to remain healthy. After this deep drink, you should see me plump up again within a few days.
If my body is mushy and discolored, the situation is serious. This means my roots and body are rotting due to excess moisture. The cells in my leaves have burst from taking in too much water, and fungal or bacterial infections have set in. At this stage, my damaged parts cannot be saved. Your only chance to save me is through surgery. You must carefully remove me from the pot and gently clean all the soil from my roots. Using a sterile, sharp knife, cut away all soft, mushy, or discolored tissue until only firm, healthy flesh remains. Let the cut area dry and callous over for several days in a warm, airy spot with bright, indirect light. Once calloused, you can re-plant me in completely fresh, dry, gritty soil. Do not water me for a week or two to encourage new root growth.
To prevent future problems, you must replicate my natural desert conditions. My pot must have an excellent drainage hole. My soil is not typical potting soil; I need a very gritty, fast-draining mix, often composed of at least 80-90% inorganic materials like perlite, pumice, or coarse sand. I require many hours of direct sunlight daily to stay compact and healthy. Most importantly, you must learn my seasonal calendar. I need water in the autumn and spring, but I must be kept almost completely dry during my summer dormancy and during the process of splitting to produce new leaves. Watering at the wrong time is the most common reason I perish in your care.
