How to divide lithops? Dividing Lithops, those living stone wonders can be a rewarding way to propagate them and create a bigger cluster. However, it’s important to do it carefully and at the right time to avoid harming your precious plants. Here’s a guide to navigate the process:
When to Divide and How to Divide Lithops?
- Mature & Clumped: Ideal candidates are mature Lithops with several heads growing close together. Wait until they’re at least 3-5 years old for better success.
- Growing Season: Spring or early summer, during their active growth period, is the best time. Avoid dividing during bloom or winter dormancy.
Preparation:
- Tools: Gather sterilized tools like a sharp knife or razor blade, gloves (optional), and pots with a well-draining cactus/succulent mix.
- Watering: Water the Lithops a few days before dividing to soften the soil and make separation easier.
The Dividing Act:
- Gently remove: Carefully remove the Lithops from its pot without damaging the roots.
- Examine the roots: Assess the root system. Look for thick taproots and any tangled or intertwined sections.
- Separate with care: Using your sterilized tool, gently tease apart the clumps based on the natural divisions between the heads. Avoid cutting through healthy roots.
- Prepare individual pots: Fill the pots with the succulent mix, leaving enough space for the taproots to grow downward.
- Planting: Plant each separated Lithops in its pot, positioning the crown slightly above the soil level. Gently firm the soil around the base.
Aftercare:
- Watering: Hold off on watering for a week or two, allowing the wounds to callous over. Then, water sparingly when the soil is completely dry.
- Sunlight: Provide bright, indirect sunlight for optimal recovery.
- No feeding: Don’t fertilize for the first few months after dividing.
- Monitoring: Keep an eye on your divided Lithops for signs of stress or rot.
Tips & Tricks:
- Divide only healthy Lithops with multiple heads.
- If separating roots is challenging, leave them slightly connected and they will eventually separate on their own.
- Label your divided Lithops for easier identification and tracking of their progress.
- Enjoy the process! Dividing and watching your Lithops grow into individual clusters is a fascinating experience.
Remember, dividing Lithops requires care and attention. By following these steps and understanding their needs, you can successfully share the joy of living stones with even more clusters!
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Feel free to ask if you have any specific questions or need further assistance with your Lithops division. I’m here to help!