Can Lithops Be Outside?
Can Lithops Be Outside? Lithops have a low tolerance to frost and low humidity. They are suitable for outdoor cultivation in well-drained soils with average soil moisture. Their natural range is found in the forests of Central and South America. They do well in shade, but need a sunny position; preferably on the side of…
Can Lithops Be Outside?
Lithops have a low tolerance to frost and low humidity. They are suitable for outdoor cultivation in well-drained soils with average soil moisture. Their natural range is found in the forests of Central and South America. They do well in shade, but need a sunny position; preferably on the side of a tree trunk, or under an overhanging branch or rock.
When you live in an area where Lithops are not native, then these plants can also be grown outdoors with just a little extra care. You should take extra care when watering these plants, because they are very sensitive to excess moisture. They should be watered during dry weather and not in the middle of a heavy rainstorm.
When you live in an area that has very hot summers and very cold winters, then these plants may not be suitable for outdoor cultivation. You should also get some protection from strong winds to prevent your plants from drying out. When inserted outside, Lithops will grow very quickly and can become invasive if their roots are allowed to spread too far.
Lithops also need to be fertilized every spring, which should be done about once a month for two months.
You may want to keep some of your Lithops indoors during the winter months because once temperatures drop below 10 °C (50 °F) they will usually die back and look dead. However, if you live in an area that has mild winters this is not always necessary.
Light is essential for bringing out the brilliant hues of lithops, which grow naturally in full sun. In coastal regions, lithops can be grown in full sun outdoors. If they are outside in hotter, inland places, provide midday shade.
You should maintain the soil moisture during dry weather and should not allow it to dry out between watering. The plants should always be watered only after the soil has dried out completely. You should never allow your Lithops to get too dry because this can cause root rot.
How Long Do Lithops Take To Split?
Lithops require around a month or two to split, depending on the climatic circumstances in which they are grown. Many breeders will simply split the plants in half and use these halves to produce further plants.
However, many growers prefer to split the plants into thirds or even fifths. This is called stabbing and this method can be used to produce even more plants from Lithops.
When splitting Lithops you should never use a sharp object or even your hands as this can damage their fragile epidermis (outer skin). You should choose a relatively dry day to perform this task and then take the plant and place it on a flat surface.
The outer skin should then be gently split with your hands or rubbed with a towel (not sandpaper). Do not attempt to completely separate this outer layer as this may dislodge the inner layers of leaves. If you do accidentally dislodge some leaves, you should then rub these leaves against the inside of the split leaf to stick them back in place.
This method of splitting is usually performed in the late summer when the plants are dormant. You should then let the plants lay in a warm indoor location to dry out. You can later replant them into a larger pot, or in the case of Lithops, into six individual pots (if you intend to grow more Lithops).
Light levels also play an important role when it comes to dividing lithops; you should choose light levels that are optimal for your group of plants. Lithops should be kept in a location that allows them to get at least six hours of direct sunlight. You should also keep your plants in conditions that are not too humid and not too dry.
You may also want to propagate additional plants from other splits. It is possible to keep multiple new plants going from the same plant, but this process is not recommended as the old plant will probably die after the split. You may however choose to propagate many new plants by splitting one plant into four or six parts to create even more new plants.
Why My Lithops Is Dying?
The most common causes of a Lithops to die are overwatering and inadequate light. Lithops have adapted to their hard environment in the wild by growing with just their very top surface visible above ground. Another cause of death is over-watering and soggy soil. Lithops are not fussy and will thrive in just about any conditions.
There are many types of Lithops that can thrive even outdoors in a full sun location. The coloring on these plants ranges from white, to yellow. They do not require much sunlight for the color to last so they can be grown anywhere with any type of soil. The following are the reason why Lithops is dying;
Overwatering:
The common reason why Lithops die is over watering. Lithops require perfect drainage, so it is important to make sure that the soil does not get waterlogged or soggy. Lithops can survive for long periods of time without water, but when they are watered too much or when the soil is too wet and warm.
These plants can rot from fungal diseases which attack the roots and stems. Watering Lithops should only be done during hot summer months because they require more frequent watering due to their shallow root systems.
Excess light:
Another possible reason for death is too much sunlight. Lithops does not require much sunlight to keep its color, only an average amount of light. If your plant is dying it could be receiving too much or too little sunlight. If the plant is getting too little light, there will be no color on it, and its leaves will begin to dry out and fall off.
You should keep a lithops in an area that receives at least 4 hours of sunlight each day or 6 hours of artificial lighting.
If the leaves are yellow, orange, or brown, this could be a sign that they are getting too much light and need more shade.
If you have moved a plant and it begins to die right away, this could be a sign that it has been in direct sunlight for too long and moving it may have just made the plant more stressed causing it to die faster.
Excess fertilizing:
Another common cause of death is over fertilizing. Lithops should be fertilized only lightly and not too much at a time so as not to burn them, or cause any diseases or die.
It is also important to keep your soil well watered, soiled and well fertilized. Lithops are not fussy and can survive in just about any conditions.
Underwatering:
Another common cause of death is under watering. Lithops do not require much water, but when you do water them, it must be done with the right amount of fertilizer so as not to cause any diseases or die.
These plants do not require a lot of water since they are growing on very dense root systems, but you should always keep it moist. Watering should never be overdone and always use a pot with a well-draining soil.
Lack of light:
Another reason why Lithops are dying is because they are in a very dark or shady area. These plants do not require much sunlight for the color to last, but they do need to be placed in an area that gets at least a few hours of direct sunlight.
Lithops have adapted to their hard environment in the wild by growing with just their very top surface visible above ground. If your plant is getting too much light, the leaves will begin to dry out and fall off.
Lack nutrients:
The reason why Lithops are dying may also be due to a lack of nutrients. These plants require very loose soil that is well fertilized and should also have the right amount of air.
For more than 3 months, your plant should not be watered so as not to rot the roots. The best season to water and fertilize Lithops is during spring from March to May when you see some new growth on the plant.
Poor drainage:
Another common reason why Lithops are dying is because they do not have good drainage. This is one reason why you should always pot up your lithops in a pot that drains well. These plants will die if the soil around them becomes too wet, or if the pot is soggy from too much water at once.
If the top of your plant was damaged or twisted when you took it out of the ground it may still have some roots coming out from the bottom and could be rotting from soggy soil and over watering.
High temperature:
Another reason why your Lithops may be dying is because of high temperature. Lithops require a temperature range between 65 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit. If your plant is getting too much or too little heat, the leaves will begin to dry out and die.