If you ask ten people about sowing lithops, I’m sure you’ll get 10 different answers, and really, they’ll all be correct answers, because there’s not only one way to do it. In this few lines I’ll try to give you my experience, as much as I can and I’m not saying it’s perfect, but the things I’ll show to you „works great“ for me and there’s no way it will not work for you, too! It’s important to follow these next steps to do it, because it’s like chain, if one piece is missing it wont work.
Lithops can practically be sowed at any time, if you give them the right conditions for growing, but there’s a „rule“ that the perfect time for it is Autumn ( Sept. Octob. ) or spring ( March, April ). I do it in spring, in the beggining of March because in my experience this period showed as ideal.
About supstrate is the most conversation, I’d say not necessary, beucase every supstrate in right amount, and low amount of humus will be good. The thing we need to worry about is that supstrate doesnt have in it dust particles ( like small sand ) lesser than 1 mm, because in longer period it hardens in to concrete and roots will not be able to „breathe“ and travel its way, but as much as small sand we must avoid too big sand.
Some of my universal supstrat for lithops sowing i most others sukulent plants is made of 1/3 quartz sand from 2 to 3 mm (or river gravel), 1/3 perlit and 1/3 garden soil. If you can’t get garden soil, you can use store bough supstrate.
Avoid supstrate with peat ( most of bought in stores are based on peat ), but find the ones made of compost. When you get those 3 components, you can add small percentage of vermiculite, zeolite, pumice, coco fibre (depends on what can you get) but it’s not really that necessary. So all in all, supstrat must be lapsing water and not reatin it, predominantly mineral composition, granules of 2 to 3 mm. From seed to adult, flowering plants, it takes 3 to 4 years to pass.
To germinate lithops, it is necessary to provide the appropriate temperature. Lithops do not like high temperatures during germination; some ideal range would be: daily temperatures between 20 – 25 C and night from 10 to 15 C. All over or below these limits will lead to unequal and poor germination. For this reason, we choose autumn or spring as a period of sowing of lithops because the outside temperature is in this range and we do not have the need for additional tuning.
Yes, ofcourse. Before sowing, we must arm with some appropriate fungicide, because with high humidity and relatively low temperatures the fungus can develop very rapidly, and our seeds and later seedlings are very susceptible to their attacks, and practically overnight they can destroy the plant, which is something we least want. I have been using Cuprozin 35-wp (based on copper) for years, and it proved to be very good, which does not mean that others are worse, but I simply do not want to experiment with other brands.
There is no big philosophy here, I use plastic „cactus“ pots, measuring 5 × 5 cm, which are sufficient for planting from 30 to 50 seeds. I am mostly a fair of pure type of lithops, and each species is sown in a separate pot, which I mark the marker, where I usually write the type of lithops and the date of sowing. Watch to use new pots when sowing, and if you do not have new ones, wash them well before sowing.
Lithops, also known as “living stones”, are fascinating succulent plants that are very popular among collectors. Their unique growth form and beautiful colors make them highly desirable. Lithops are native to southern Africa and have adapted to survive in arid conditions.
In nature, lithops grow camouflaged among pebbles and rocks. Their stone-like leaves help them blend in and avoid being eaten by grazing animals. When lithops flower, they produce a flush of daisy-like blooms that suddenly reveal their location.
While adult lithops plants can be purchased many hobbyists enjoy propagating these living stones from seeds. Growing lithops from seed can be rewarding but requires close attention to their needs. Follow this comprehensive guide for successfully sowing and raising lithops seedlings.
When to Sow Lithops Seeds
Lithops seeds can be sown at various times throughout the year with proper care. However, some periods tend to produce better results than others.
The ideal time to sow lithops seeds is during the spring or early summer months Temperatures are warm but not excessively hot at this time, Moderate daytime temperatures around 75°F (24°C) and nighttime lows near 60°F (15°C) offer prime conditions
You can also sow in late summer or early autumn when temperatures start to cool again. Avoid sowing during the hottest summer months or when nighttime temperatures dip below 50°F (10°C).
It’s best to allow fresh seeds to dry and cure for at least 6 months after harvesting before sowing. Older seeds tend to give more consistent and reliable germination.
Creating an Ideal Sowing Medium
The sowing medium is crucial for successfully propagating lithops from seeds. It must provide the right balance of drainage and moisture retention.
A suitable seed starting mix should:
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Be very porous and free-draining to prevent fungal issues. Incorporate sand, perlite, or pumice.
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Contain fine particles like sand that won’t block emerging roots. Avoid large peat chunks.
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Have some organic content like sifted compost to retain moisture and nutrients.
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Wet easily but not become waterlogged.
Some examples of good sowing mediums:
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Equal parts sand, perlite, and vermiculite.
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70% pumice or gravel with 30% coconut coir.
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60% sand mixed with 20% perlite and 20% compost.
Sterilizing the Medium and Containers
Sterilizing the sowing medium helps prevent problems with fungus and algae during germination.
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Soak prepared mix and microwave in batches for 1-2 minutes to kill fungal spores and bacteria. Allow to fully cool before sowing.
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Wash and rinse sowing pots and trays in a 10% bleach solution. Ensure they are well rinsed before use.
Sowing Techniques for Even Distribution
When sowing, use a light touch to distribute lithops seeds evenly across the soil surface.
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Gently tap the seed packet as you move it over the potting mix. This separates the tiny seeds.
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Optionally mix seeds with fine sand before sowing for easier spreading.
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Lightly water after sowing to moisten the top layer but avoid saturation.
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Seeds should be pressed onto the surface but never covered or buried. Lithops require light to germinate.
Providing Heat and Humidity
Consistent warmth and high humidity encourages the best germination rates.
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Maintain soil temperatures around 75°F (24°C). Use a heat mat if needed.
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Cover pots with plastic wrap or glass to contain humidity after sowing.
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Place pots in trays with water, allowing absorption from the bottom up. Keep level below pot rims.
Avoiding Problems in Germinating Seedlings
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Partially uncover pots once seeds begin sprouting to prevent fungal “damping off” issues. Allow ventilation.
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Gently sprinkle fine sand over newly sown seeds to help support emerging seedlings. Prevents toppling over.
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Avoid direct hot sun on covered seedlings. Move to bright shade or diffuse light.
Care of Young Lithops Seedlings
Lithops seedlings require very attentive care as they establish during the first year.
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Expect germination to begin within 2-4 weeks and occur sporadically over time. Be patient.
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Begin light fertilization 2 weeks after sprouting emerges. Use quarter strength balanced liquid fertilizer.
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Gradually introduce seedlings to outdoor conditions after 1 month. Avoid hot direct sun.
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Water thoroughly only when the top layer of soil begins to dry. Avoid prolonged wet foliage.
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Watch for signs of fungus and treat with hydrogen peroxide if damping off occurs. Isolate affected pots.
Transplanting Lithops Seedlings
Seedlings can be transplanted once they have adequate leaf and root establishment.
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Wait 8-12 months before attempting to transplant lithops sprouts. Look for taproot exceeding 5 mm.
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Carefully separate and move seedlings into a well-draining mix designed for adult lithops.
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Space young plants 1-2 inches apart in containers or beds. Plant singly or in small groups.
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Transplant in spring and provide very light watering until rooted. Slowly introduce to sun.
Ongoing Care of Lithops Seedlings
The first 2-3 years are the most vulnerable time for establishing lithops seedlings. Exercise patience and care.
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Allow plants to follow their natural growth cycle. Avoid overwatering while splitting or renewing leaves.
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Gradually increase sun exposure over time until plants can tolerate 4-6 hours of direct light.
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Use balanced liquid fertilizer at 1/4 to 1/2 strength during active growth phases. Avoid high nitrogen.
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Monitor for pests like mealybugs that may attack tender seedlings. Isolate and treat any infestations.
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Wait until mature plant size before repotting into permanent containers. Avoid early repot stress.
Raising lithops from seed is not for the impatient but watching the progress from tiny sprouts to flowering adults is incredibly rewarding. Follow these tips for the highest chances of success propagating lithops from seed.
Sterilization of substrates and water
Before we start sowing, we should sterilize the sowing substrate that we have prepared, which will drastically reduce the possibility of the appearance of fungal infections. For such a thing, we will need enough sherry and electric oven to be heated to 150 C. The substrate is baked for about an hour. While the substrate is baked in the oven, at the same time we can pour the rainwater that we use during sowing, but we can also use distilled water. Dve nedelje nakon setve
How to Grow Lithops from Seed – How and When to Plant Lithops seeds.(includes other Mesembs)
FAQ
How long does it take for Lithops to grow from seed?
Lithops must usually be three years old before they begin flowering. The seed capsules of lithops, like those of other mesembs, are hydrochastic: they open only when they become wet.
What do Lithop seeds look like?
- Size: Lithops seeds range from a little over 1mm for the largest species to under 0.2mm for the smallest.
- Shape: The seeds can be spherical, oval, or triangular.
- Texture: Seed textures can be smooth, rugose (rough), or tuberculate (with small bumps).
- Color: They are generally an orangish-tan color.
- Handling: Because they are so small, sowing them can be tricky, and it’s recommended to mix them with fine sand or grit for easier handling.
- Germination: Lithops seeds need light to germinate, so they should be sown on the surface of the soil without covering.
- Viability: Lithops seeds can remain viable for years, even decades, unlike many other types of garden seeds.
How often should I water Lithops seeds?
Water young seedlings four times a week during hot weather. A watering of once a week during winter should suffice.
How do you grow Lithops from seeds?
Lithops are most often grown from seeds. If you have multi-headed plants, they can also be propagated by division. Saw the seeds during the summer in a pot with a commercial seed growing mix or well-drained soil mix. Cover the seeds with a very thin layer of fine sand.
How long does it take Lithops to germinate?
Lithops seeds typically germinate within 2-4 weeks. Once the seedlings have emerged, you can begin to water them more regularly. With a little care, you can easily grow lithops from seed. These beautiful plants will add a unique touch to your home or garden. Sow the seeds on top of a well-draining soil mix.
How to grow Lithops?
For this purpose, we can use a flat piece of wood (battens), a piece of plastic object or whatever is handy at hand, and do not overdo it with compression, a slight thrust will be perfectly OK. Now that remains the most important part of the work, sowing. The lithops seed is very small and care should be taken to distribute it evenly in a pot.
When should you plant Lithops seeds?
The best time to plant Lithops seeds is in the spring or early summer. Lithops seeds need to be sown in a well-draining soil mix. The seeds should be lightly covered with soil and kept moist until they germinate. Lithops seedlings should be kept in a bright, sunny location and watered regularly.
How long does it take Lithops seeds to grow?
Once the seeds are in place, cover the pot with a clear plastic lid or wrap it in a plastic bag to create a mini greenhouse effect. This helps to retain moisture and maintain a stable temperature, both of which are important for germination. The germination of lithops seeds can vary in time, ranging from a few weeks to several months.
Can Lithops be grown outside?
While succulent enthusiasts can grow these plants indoors, lithops can also be grown outside year round in USDA Hardiness Zones 9b to 11b, provided you can protect these drought tolerant plants from receiving too much water. There are two ways to propagate lithops – from seed and by dividing plants, both of which are easy methods.