Lithops optica rubra

[Cidermanrolls]

I’m a Lithops novice. I’ve had several for twenty years or more, all raised from seed from historic BCSS seed lists, so understand the basics.
I’ve taken advantage of the seed list this year to expand my collection of these. Many pots are now showing germination.
My question: I’ve read often the L optica rubra needs special treatment. The seed has germinated. Do I need to treat these seedlings any differently to the others, or is it later in life that things get difficult?

[Rob]

For now, I would say treat them the same as others.

It is in maturity that L.optica rubra has a slightly different routine to other Lithops. I just treat it as having a later season, so, it tends to finish drying it's old leaf pair a month or two later then the rest and continues to need a light watering deeper in to the Autumn, and flowers in the Winter. Along the road in Caistor they have been in flower over Christmas.

[Aiko]

I think the main difference is to keep them going a bit longer than the other Lithops. So continue to water them until December. That is what I do, and the only difference compared to the others. They are still alive, but still too young to flower.

[Cidermanrolls]

Thanks both.
I’ll have to visit you later in the year Rob to learn more about these,

[Rob]

Thanks both.
I’ll have to visit you later in the year Rob to learn more about these,

Yes, as soon as the weather picks up we will arrange that, and a return visit.

[iann]

Simple enough from seed. If anything, you're more likely to kill it with kindness than neglect, especially if you've already got the knack for growing Lithops from seed.