Transplanting Lithops seedlings

For the discussion of topics related to the conservation, cultivation, propagation and exhibition of cacti & other succulents.
Forum rules
For the discussion of topics related to the conservation, cultivation, propagation, exhibition & science of cacti & other succulents only.

Please respect all forum members opinions and if you can't make a civil reply, don't reply!
Post Reply
peter831shaw
Registered Guest
Posts: 212
https://www.behance.net/kuchnie-warszawa
Joined: 03 Sep 2018
Branch: None
Country: USA

Transplanting Lithops seedlings

Post by peter831shaw »

Hello all,

I am wondering how log to wait to transplant Lithops and what time of year is best?

I am located in sunny California and have a new greenhouse.

there is a mix of seed, I was just practicing techniques.

Cheers!
Attachments
IMG-7450.JPG
Peter Shaw
User avatar
Astro
Registered Guest
Posts: 299
Joined: 21 Aug 2012
Branch: None
Country: USA

Re: Transplanting Lithops seedlings

Post by Astro »

These seedlings still seem to have some room to grow. I transplant mine when conditions are such that I can water them a few days after potting them up (I've found newly repotted plants more sensitive to overheating if left dry). That means I usually repot a bit before I would have otherwise watered them, which has the advantage of avoiding root damage (fine roots are usually gone by then). In general I end up transplanting most in Spring and Fall, say March-October.

Are they potted up in pure Turface or is it just top dressing?
User avatar
rodsmith
BCSS Member
Posts: 3189
Joined: 17 Feb 2011
Branch: STOKE-ON-TRENT
Country: UK
Location: Staffordshire, UK

Re: Transplanting Lithops seedlings

Post by rodsmith »

I would wait until next April. They will be happy where they are during the winter months and repotting them when in the dormant season isn't a good idea. They look to be in fine condition.
Rod Smith

Growing a mixed collection of cacti & other succulents; mainly smaller species with a current emphasis on lithops & conophytum.
User avatar
Aiko
BCSS Member
Posts: 3861
Joined: 12 Aug 2010
Branch: None
Country: Netherlands
Role within the BCSS: Member

Re: Transplanting Lithops seedlings

Post by Aiko »

They don't need repotting, at the looks of it.
And be aware that repotting Lithops is a risk. I have lost many of them after repotting. The roots get damaged, and if you water early or even many months later, they suddenly might rot after their first watering.
peter831shaw
Registered Guest
Posts: 212
Joined: 03 Sep 2018
Branch: None
Country: USA

Re: Transplanting Lithops seedlings

Post by peter831shaw »

thanks for the tips, always appreciated

I will leave them in the pot until they get much larger (saves space as well)

They are topped with turface, though there is some in the mix as well.

I have read that they need more water as seedlings, but these don't seem to be seedlings any longer. Watering is a real challenge with so many in the pot at different stages.

Since they should be going into dormancy I guess I should just let them dry out until spring?

Peter
Peter Shaw
User avatar
Astro
Registered Guest
Posts: 299
Joined: 21 Aug 2012
Branch: None
Country: USA

Re: Transplanting Lithops seedlings

Post by Astro »

I'm in Northern Cal myself (but no greenhouse). I keep the seedlings going until it starts raining and gets colder, maybe end of the month. I may spray the smallest ones (similar to the smallest in your picture) occasionally over the winter to make sure they don't dry out entirely (i.e. very shriveled but no sign of new leaves). Since they're seedlings (i.e. the leaf pairs will grow considerably over the next year or two) they'll deal with any incompletely absorbed leaves pretty easily.
Post Reply