From my perspective, as a Lithops, my entire existence is adapted to survive in an arid, harsh environment. My most distinct feature, my pair of plump, fused leaves, is not just for show—it is my water reservoir. I use this stored water to sustain myself through long periods of drought. My life cycle is not a constant state of growth; it is a carefully timed dance of dormancy and renewal. Once or twice a year, I undergo a dramatic transformation where I grow a new pair of leaves from within. The moisture and nutrients from my old, outer leaves are slowly reabsorbed to fuel this new growth. During this process, my outer leaves will naturally become extremely shriveled, papery, and will eventually dry into a brittle husk. This is not a sign of distress; it is the essential and beautiful process of my regeneration. To mistake this for underwatering and provide moisture would be catastrophic, as it can rot my new leaves before they even emerge.
While I am incredibly drought-tolerant, I am not invincible. There are times when my shriveled appearance is a genuine plea for water. The key to distinguishing this from my natural cycle is timing and pattern. If I am shriveled at a time outside of my expected splitting period (typically not in late summer/early fall or after flowering in late spring), it may be a sign of thirst. More importantly, examine the type of shriveling. When underwatered, my entire leaf pair will shrink uniformly, often becoming concave on top and feeling soft but not paper-dry. I will use up the water in my reservoir leaves without a new pair waiting to emerge, leaving me deflated and weakened. This is a survival mechanism to reduce my surface area and minimize water loss, but if prolonged, it can permanently damage my root system and my health.
To understand my needs, you must become an observer of my patterns. First, learn my seasonal calendar. Expect me to shrivel and be absorbed during my splitting phase. During this time, you must withhold all water. Second, perform a simple touch test. If my leaves are shriveled and the tissue feels thin and papery, and I am in my expected renewal period, it is almost certainly my natural cycle. If my leaves are shriveled, feel soft and pliable (like a slightly under-inflated balloon), and it has been many months since my last drink or since my last split was completed, I likely need water. A good rule is to water only when the soil is completely dry and I show signs of thirst outside of my splitting season. When in doubt, it is always safer to err on the side of withholding water, as my greatest threat is always too much of it, not too little.
