Time for Lithops to shed
Comprehensive analysis of the contents related to Lithops, the time for Lithops to shed. Next, the editor of this site will introduce to you.
Shedding of Lithops is a normal physiological phenomenon, but many Lithops enthusiasts are puzzled by the shedding time of their own Lithops. Some say spring, some say autumn, and it's unclear.
The shedding of Lithops is related to the养护 environment at home. Those without heating usually shed in the spring, while those with heating start to shed from late autumn to early winter. Additionally, young seedlings do not shed regularly, usually after a year of keeping at home, they will shed according to their own environment, and enthusiasts do not need to have the same shedding time as other enthusiasts.
After talking about the shedding time of Lithops, here is a quote from a enthusiast's (Scorpio Cat vv) experience with Lithops shedding for reference:
Lithops is very appealing but also frustrating because it's too demanding. Lithops have two problems: one is heat intolerance and preference for cool temperatures; the other is shedding every year. These two problems combined make it impossible to relax.
In spring, the weather is nice, which is the growing period for Lithops, easy to take care of. One might think that watering them will make them look chubby and cute, but it's not that simple. They need to stop watering because they are shedding at this time. This physiological cycle is very important for Lithops, and if the water is too much, the old skin will not shed, affecting later management.
In summer, high temperatures, especially in the Yangtze River Delta during the rainy season of Meiyu, are the "deadly door" for Lithops. It's a constant worry, fearing that one morning you'll find another Lithops rotten.
In autumn, the weather is cool, which is the best observation period for Lithops. The bulbs are full and the "apricot" flowers bloom. However, there are still many troubles. After entering a new round of golden growing period, you always want to water the Lithops well, but the recently awakened Lithops is still in a state of " unable to absorb supplements," and it's easy to fall into the "deadly door" after enduring the summer.
In winter, although it's cold, Lithops are not afraid of cold (of course, there are limits), and it's easy to manage. However, the problem is that after the Lithops bloom, they start to prepare for shedding. If the water is not controlled at this time, it's too late to do so in the spring.
The physiological phenomenon of Lithops shedding is an important function to adapt to harsh environments. It can be said that the whole life of Lithops revolves around the two major tasks of shedding and flowering. Shedding is to protect the body from the most severe high-temperature and dry periods, and then quickly grasp the brief growing season to bloom and pollinate to propagate the next generation. After that, the old body starts to prepare for孕育 a new body, including transferring nutrients from the old body to the new one with an intrepid spirit, while the old body withers to protect the new body from reducing water evaporation during the high-temperature and dry period. This continues in a cycle.
Because shedding is one of the important links for Lithops to ensure their own propagation (although the other is sexual reproduction, but from juvenile to adult, it still cannot avoid the key link of shedding), it is particularly important to let Lithops have enough dry time. Of course, when enthusiasts see Lithops shrink during the winter watering break, this issue should be addressed and solved according to local conditions.
Due to the vast territory of China and significant climatic differences between the north and south, in the north, although it's very cold, indoor heating makes the temperature very suitable. Lithops require a lot of water, and the air in the north is very dry, so they may shrink more. I can only make a hypothesis (because I have no experience in growing in the north), which is not to pay attention to it and let it shrink to speed up the completion of shedding, because Lithops will protect the new life by transferring the water from the old skin. On the other hand, in the south, where the humidity is high, completely stopping watering in winter is no problem. The morning and evening temperature differences bring enough moisture to maintain the normal life of Lithops. Even if the entire winter is completely without water, the bulbs can still remain very full.
Generally speaking, Lithops should complete shedding by the end of April, so that normal watering and fertilizing can be given in May. Otherwise, Lithops really won't have a chance to "replenish," as they will soon face tough times and need to strengthen their resistance during dormancy.
No water should be given during the shedding period of the mature plant, as watering will extend the shedding period. Water should not be applied to the plant during the shedding period because the old skin is prone to bacterial infection and rot. Full sunlight should be provided during the shedding period (this is for mature plants), and direct sunlight should be reduced for young seedlings. It is considered shedding is complete when the outside old skin of Lithops becomes a thin membrane. That is, when it is dry, white, and the old skin comes off easily, only then is the Lithops truly done shedding.
The detailed explanation of the shedding time of Lithops provided above is for reference only!