Lithops seedlings question

Watch Reply
More
Mark unread Print Skip to new
Cloudspinner Montreal, QC(Zone 5a) Jun 28, 2015

Hi everyone, I'm new to lithops but I've been reading a lot about them and I found them so fascinating I decided to start growing them from seeds!
These are my 19 lithops aucampiae (bought from ebay last year). They're a mix, so I have no idea what they'll look like in the end! Some of them are really small because they decided to germinate really late, weeks before their siblings :D
Anyway, though I know I'm not quite there yet, (the seedlings are only about 1 month and a half old) I was wondering if I should stop watering them when they start to change leaves.
Right now I mist them with water at least as often as I can, it's important that the soil is kept wet while they're so young, and I partially shield them from the sun with the insect screen at my window.
I'm also really careful to turn them and prop them up with sand at the base, as needed, so they don't fall and lean on their sides.
This watering after splitting thing is my only concern, I wouldn't want to kill them right before they become adults!
Thanks!
Dana

Thumbnail by Cloudspinner Thumbnail by Cloudspinner Thumbnail by Cloudspinner Thumbnail by Cloudspinner Thumbnail by Cloudspinner
Post #10102667
Quote
Diana_K Contra Costa County, CA(Zone 9b) Jun 28, 2015

If your soil has really good drainage then you can water a bit more, to keep the youngest ones sprouting and growing.
But if your soil does not drain well this could kill the oldest ones.

Post #10102682
Quote
Cloudspinner Montreal, QC(Zone 5a) Jun 28, 2015

Do you mean for right now, or after they change leaves for the first time?
The soil I used is a combination of miracle gro cactus soil, pebbles and sand, with a thin layer of sand on top, it has good drainage and the pot has drain holes. From what I've read, the seedlings are way different than adults, they love moisture and can be killed if the soil dries up, so I'm being careful.
I water the seedlings 3+ times a day (give them a few sprays of water) and I was thinking of watering them once every 2 days when they begin to split, but I'm only guessing, this is my first time growing lithops. Also, by the time they reach 4-6 months I expect to reduce the watering to once a day.

Post #10102694
Quote
Diana_K Contra Costa County, CA(Zone 9b) Jun 28, 2015

I think you are doing right for now. Until the true leaves grow, keep them a bit moister. Looks like they are thriving with the way you are caring for them.

Post #10102699
Quote
Cloudspinner Montreal, QC(Zone 5a) Jun 29, 2015

thank you! I'll post my progress in a month or so, when they change a bit more

Post #10103216
Quote
tommyr2006 Poughkeepsie, NY(Zone 6a) Jul 08, 2015

It's funny, I can't grow a bought adult Lithop but I'm good at starting them from seeds. Kind of strange.

Post #10108340
Quote
helenchild Decatur, GA Jul 31, 2015

My hat if off to anyone who can grow Lithops. I have had no luck with them but think they are fascinating. Keep posting pictures. I would love to watch someone else's success. :-)

Post #10119933
Quote

Post a Reply to this Thread

Please or sign up to post.
Back to Forum Homepage

More Beginner Gardening Threads

Go to all Beginner Gardening threads
BACK TO TOP