Lithops getting ready to flower?

[edds]

Are these Lithops starting the flowering process? It's my first year growing them and I don't want to get my hopes up too much if not!

This is Lithops aucampiae ex.'Jackson's Jade' today,

And on Thursday,

To my mind the fissure has definitely widened in the last 5 days.

Also L.karasmontana and L.schwantesii are both showing widening fissures.

On the schwantesii I swear I can see structures down in the fissure but it might just be wishful thinking...

IMG_20200616_164059.jpg (115.47 KiB) Viewed 2669 times

What do you all think?

[Terry S.]

It is actually some months too early for these particular species to flower. It may be a consequence of the leaves becoming more turgid as a result of less water loss during the comparatively dull weather we have at the moment. However the plants look in good condition and are of a good size, so they all ought to flower later in the summer or into autumn.

[Tishania]

I'm no expert but it certainly looks something coming up in that last picture, it may just be me being an optimist of course

[iann]

Don't hold your breath. The first two are definitely not ready to flower. I can't see anything in the third but maybe you have a better view down inside the fissure. Plan on September at the earliest.

[edds]

Thank you all. Will be patient and keep my fingers crossed for September!

[edds]

Had a look closely at this Lithops again today in my office and I can definitely see something in the fissure. I've tried to take a couple of photos but not sure how clear they'll be to anyone who didn't see it in the flesh as well.

And a close up,

If you can see anything at all, does this look like the start of a flower? I'm assuming it will slowly make its way up to flower around September as you all suggested back in June?

[rodsmith]

It doesn't look like a flower bud to me, but I have been wrong before.

[iann]

I think it looks a bit like a bud, but who knows. There should be something growing in there already, and maybe with the fissure open it can be seen. I wouldn't have expected it to be quite this advanced yet, but Lithops sometimes get off schedule.

[edds]

Thanks guys.

Took this photo before coming home this afternoon.

There's definitely something coming up there! Any idea of how long it will take? I'd hate to miss it as it flowers at a weekend! Might be bringing the bowl home with me on Friday!!!

[Diane]

You shouldn't have to miss it - Lithops flowers last for quite a while - they aren't as fleeting as cactus flowers.
I don't really think that it's a bud, though, but another week or two should confirm one way or the other.