About the repair of root for Lithops
The article brought by the editor is about the content related to Lithops, a type of succulent plant. Specifically regarding the repair of Lithops roots, the details are as follows:
Usually, when we buy Lithops, plants like Conophytum, they come without a pot and soil, which is known to those who have experience in growing Lithops. Before potting, it is essential to cut the old roots short (usually leaving 3-5 millimeters), so that the plant can grow new roots and thrive healthily. After the roots are repaired, do not rush to plant them. Instead, place the plant with the repaired roots in a shaded and well-ventilated area for two days to a week to allow the cut wounds to heal and prevent infection and root rot after planting. The planting method should be wet soil dry planting. After planting, place it in a shaded and well-ventilated area, and only after new roots have grown (about 10 days) can normal management resume.
Regarding the planting method, there is a trick: only the roots of Lithops should touch the soil, not the flesh!
Replanting: Cut all the roots to the same length as the plant height, leaving only 0.5-1 cm. Remove all fibrous roots, leaving only the strongest main root, and let it dry for a week before planting.
Leaving 1-2 roots is to ensure the plant does not fall over.
To grow thick roots, the soil should not be too fine, and water should not be overwatered. Especially if the topsoil is constantly moist, it will only grow a large number of lateral roots.
Often, friends talk about their Lithops and Conophytum plants rotting roots. Actually, accurately speaking, it's not the roots of Lithops that rot. Generally, the roots of Lithops do not rot, but the lower half of the bulb is the most susceptible part! The reason for the rot is that this part is in contact with a poor quality, non-ventilated growing medium. Therefore, the solution to prevent root rot in Lithops and Conophytum plants is to ensure the lower half of the bulb is well-ventilated. We usually use a large amount of akadama soil or other coarse particles to lay a 1/3 layer of drainage in the pot, then mix the root area with a mixture of nutritious and particle media. After the roots are buried, the lower half of the bulb should be stabilized and supported with particle fillers, not buried in soil!
Root repair is done not only to make planting easier but also because the roots that come with the newly acquired stones are usually dried out from transportation and are of no use, and can even cause rot and infection. Cutting off some of the main roots can promote the growth of more fibrous roots. Main roots store nutrients, while fibrous roots absorb them. When growing at home, stones do not particularly need to store nutrients, so having more fibrous roots is better. Letting the roots dry for a few days is to prevent infection and allow the cut surfaces to dry. The roots also need time to adapt to the soil... For a safer approach, let them dry for 3 or 4 days before watering, and the first watering should be with water that has been treated with a fungicide.
The comprehensive knowledge about the repair of Lithops roots provided above is hoped to be helpful to you.