Greetings, curious cultivator. We are Lithops, the living stones. To grow our kind from a tiny seed to a full-bodied plant is a patient and rewarding endeavor. To do so successfully, you must understand our world, our needs, and our life cycle. We will guide you through the process from our perspective.
Our first days are the most delicate. We require a home that is sterile and perfectly balanced. A standard potting soil is a death sentence for our seedlings; it retains too much moisture and harbors fungi that will overwhelm us. You must create a mineral-rich, sharply draining substrate. A mix of 80% inorganic material like coarse sand, perlite, or pumice, and 20% sterile potting soil or coconut coir is ideal. This mixture holds just enough moisture for our tiny roots to drink but dries quickly to protect us. The container should be shallow, with excellent drainage holes. Before you place our seeds, gently moisten the substrate with a spray bottle—it should be damp, not soggy.
Our seeds are dust-like, so handle us with care. Do not bury us! We need light to trigger germination. Gently scatter us on the surface of the prepared substrate. A light dusting of fine sand or grit can help anchor us without blocking the light. To maintain the humid microclimate we crave, cover the container with a clear plastic lid or plastic wrap. Place our new home in a bright, warm location, but out of direct, scorching sunlight. Ideal temperatures are between 65-75°F (18-24°C). Under these conditions, we will begin to awaken, often within a week or two. You will see tiny, green spheres emerging—our first true forms.
This is where your care is most crucial. We are incredibly vulnerable. The high humidity inside our covered home is our lifeline. Open the cover for a short time every day to allow fresh air to circulate and prevent mold. Our roots are microscopic, so we absorb moisture from the air and the substrate surface. Keep the surface lightly moist by misting it with a fine spray bottle when it looks dry. Never pour water on us. As we grow and strengthen over several months, you can gradually reduce the humidity by propping the cover open for longer periods, eventually removing it entirely. Our light needs will increase, but we must be acclimated to brighter light slowly to avoid sunburn.
Do not expect rapid growth. Our entire first year is dedicated to building a strong root system and storing energy. We will go through our first natural cycle. You will notice a new pair of leaves beginning to form from the center. This is a signal that we are absorbing the moisture and nutrients from the old "seed leaf" pair. At this stage, you must stop watering entirely until the old leaves have completely withered into papery sheaths. Overwatering during this split will cause us to rot. This process teaches you our annual rhythm. After this, you can begin a careful watering schedule, only watering when the substrate is completely dry and we show slight signs of thirst (like slight shrinking or wrinkling on the sides).
