11 Signs of Overwatered Lithops (And How to Save Them)
Lithops, also known as ‘living stones,’ are fascinating succulents that resemble rocks and pebbles. Unfortunately, overwatering these plants can lead to severe issues. To help keep your lithops happy and healthy, here are 11 signs of overwatered Lithops and how to save them! From yellow leaves to soft photosynthetic tissues, these warning signs will help you identify overwatering in lithops and give you tips on how to turn things around. With a little bit of knowledge, you can help your Lithop thrive!
Contents
Signs of Overwatered Lithops
1. Bursting of Leaves
The most apparent sign of overwatering is the bursting of leaves. This can occur when too much water accumulates in the cells of a Lithop and causes them to expand, resulting in the bursting of leaves. To save your plant, be sure to water it much less frequently and allow the soil to dry out completely before you water it again.
2. Edema
When a plant lithop’s root system has taken more moisture than it can handle, brown blotches, often referred to as edema, can appear. To solve the issue of brown spots (edema) in Lithops:
- Cut back on watering and allow the soil to dry out more before rewatering.
- Use a mixture of sand, perlite, and peat moss to improve the soil’s ability to drain excess water.
- Ensure the pot has adequate drainage holes to allow excess water to escape.
Since lithops do best in bright, sunny conditions, placing the plant in a brighter location can help it dry out more quickly and reduce the likelihood of edema.
3. Soft Photosynthetic Tissues
Another sign of overwatering is soft photosynthetic tissues. This occurs when too much water causes the plant’s tissues to become soft and mushy. Therefore, reduce watering and ensure the soil has sufficient drainage to save it. Place it in a sunny spot, so the soil dries out soon.
4. Stretching
Stretching and growing tall can be a sign of overwatering in Lithops, as they will begin to grow in search of more light when they receive too much water, and this can cause the plant to become spindly and lose its compact shape. To save the Lithops, reduce watering frequency, improve drainage by using a well-draining soil mix, place the plant in a brighter location, and prune the stretched growth to encourage the plant to bush out and become more compact.
5. Wilting Leaves
Another sign that your Lithop may be overwatered is wilting leaves. This occurs when water accumulates in the cells of a Lithop and causes them to become soft and limp. To save your plant, reduce the amount of water it receives and allow the soil to dry out thoroughly before you water again.
6. Yellowing Leaves
Lithops can also show signs of overwatering through yellowing leaves. This occurs when the roots can’t take in enough oxygen to provide the plant with adequate nutrients, resulting in the yellowing of the leaves. To save your plant, reduce the amount of water it receives and check to ensure the soil has proper drainage.
7. Root Rot
Root rot is another sign of overwatering and occurs when the roots of a Lithop become waterlogged and start to decompose. Reduce the quantity of water your plant receives and repot it in new soil after removing any dark, mushy, or rotten roots. After cleaning, apply a fungicide to the remaining roots. Before repotting the plant in well-draining soil, give it time to air out and dry for a few hours.
8. Splitting
Your Lithops may split if you overwater them, in which case they will force new leaves growth up from the root system. These leaves stand in for the existing ones, which will wither and die as the fresh leaves emerge. Therefore, stopping watering for a bit is crucial in both scenarios. Never water a leaf that has randomly split apart until the split has healed, and it won’t appear as plump.
9. Fungal Growth
Fungal growth is also a sign of overwatering and occurs when fungi grow on the leaves or roots of a Lithop. To save your plant, reduce the amount of water it receives, increase air circulation, and check to ensure the soil has proper drainage.
10. Soggy Soil
Another indication of excessive watering and inadequate soil/container selection is soggy soil. Cacti should be potted in well-draining soil that won’t hold onto water very long. To save your lithops, pick the appropriate container. The bottom of the container needs to have lots of drainage holes. Terra cotta is ideal for any cacti container since it breathes well.
Avoid over-potting. Lithops have relatively shallow roots; therefore, they don’t require a deep container. The pot should be broad and reasonably shallow so that there is a lot of soil surface area available for the roots to receive good air circulation.
11. Leaf Drop
Finally, leaf drop is a sign of overwatering and occurs when the leaves of a Lithop start to fall off due to excessive moisture. To save your plant, reduce the amount of water it receives and allow the soil to dry out completely before you water again. Moreover, use a mixture of sand, perlite, and peat moss to improve the soil’s ability to drain excess water.
No matter what signs your Lithop may exhibit, it’s essential to give your plant the proper care and attention to ensure its long-term health. With a little bit of knowledge and patience, you can help your Lithop thrive!
What Do Overwatered Lithops Look Like?
If your lithops appears wrinkled, soft, or yellow in color, it is a definite indication that you have watered it too much. You may also observe mottled brown spots on the leaves – known as edema – similar to blisters. Waterlogged leaves can also burst due to excessive moisture. Finally, if your plant starts growing taller than usual, it indicates overwatering, as lithops naturally have a short and stout structure.
Why Did My Lithops Turn to Mush?
If your Lithops leaves appear yellow and translucent and feel squishy when touched, they have likely been overwatered or overheated. An early warning sign of over-watering can be seen when the leaves start to detach with a light touch. If the plant has been given too much water, not enough sunlight, and been kept in a soft environment for an extended period, it is more susceptible to this type of damage. It is best to provide the plant with regular watering, adequate sunlight, and a well-draining potting mix.
How To Save Overwatered Lithops
There are several ways you can save your Lithops that’s been overwatered.
Firstly, reduce the amount of water it receives and check to ensure the soil has proper drainage.
Secondly, increase air circulation around the plant by repotting it with fresh soil and ensuring it is not humid.
Finally, ensuring that the plant receives adequate sunlight during the day is essential. Doing these three things should help your Lithops recover from overwatering. You can also repot the plant in a larger pot to give it more space for root growth.
When Should You Not Water Lithops?
Watering Lithops at the wrong time can be detrimental to their health. Therefore, it is crucial to be mindful of when not to water them. From October until the old pair of leaves has completely withered away, usually by the following May, it is best not to water them at all. During their dormant period in the summer months, it is best to avoid watering them altogether. This will ensure that your Lithops stay healthy and happy. By following these guidelines, you can ensure that your Lithops receives the best care possible.
Do You Water Lithops When They Are Splitting?
No, it would be best not to water your Lithops when they are in the process of splitting. Lithops naturally split into two halves as part of their growth cycle. During this time, it is important not to water them at all as this can cause damage to the plant. Instead, it would help if you wait until the split is complete and then start giving them regular watering with a small amount of water. This will help the Lithops to heal and grow appropriately without any adverse effects from overwatering.
Related Post:
Lithops Life Cycle
FAQs
Do lithops like to be misted?
Lithops do not typically like to be misted. In fact, too much moisture on their leaves can cause them to rot. Lithops are native to arid regions of Africa and are adapted to surviving in hot, dry conditions. They prefer well-drained soil and only need to be watered when completely dry. Overwatering can lead to root rot, which can be fatal to the plant. If you live in a very humid environment, it may be best to avoid misting your Lithops and provide good air circulation around the plant to prevent fungal diseases.
How do you encourage roots to grow in Lithops?
To encourage root growth in Lithops, you should water the plant sparingly with a small amount. Additionally, it is essential to ensure that the plant has adequate sunlight and well-draining soil. Finally, repot the Lithops in a larger pot to provide more space for root growth.
Conclusion
Taking care of Lithops can be a tricky task, particularly when it comes to watering them. It is essential to understand the signs of overwatering, know when not to water the plant, and know how much water it needs. By following these guidelines and providing the plant with adequate sunlight and a well-draining potting mix, you can ensure that your Lithops receives the best care possible. With regular maintenance and proper care, your Lithops should stay healthy and happy for many years to come.