As a lithops enthusiast, you may have noticed your plants undergoing a dramatic transformation right now. This process, known as “splitting” or “leaves change,” can be alarming for new growers, but rest assured, it’s a natural and essential part of a lithops’ lifecycle.

What is Splitting in Lithops?

Splitting occurs when a lithops’ old leaves begin to shrivel and eventually split apart, revealing a new pair of leaves underneath. This process usually happens annually, as the plant prepares for a new growing season.

Why Does Splitting Happen?

Splitting is a natural process that allows lithops to renew themselves. As the old leaves shrink and split, they make way for new growth, ensuring the plant remains healthy and thriving.

What to Expect During Splitting

During the splitting process, you may notice:

• The old leaves shrinking and becoming wrinkled
• A slight discoloration or blemish on the old leaves
• A small gap forming between the old and new leaves
• The new leaves emerging, often with a slightly different color or pattern/marking

It’s essential to remember that splitting is a natural process, and it’s not a sign of disease or neglect. In fact, it’s a sign that your lithops is healthy and thriving! So don’t panic, its a essential part of the lithops growth cycle!

The Benefits of Splitting

The splitting process has several benefits for your lithops:

• Renewal: Splitting allows the plant to renew itself, ensuring it remains healthy and thriving.
• Growth: The new leaves that emerge during splitting may have a different color or pattern, adding visual interest to the plant.
• Blemish removal: Any scarring or imperfection on the old leaves are removed during the splitting process, leaving the new leaves healthy and beautiful once again!

How to Care for Your Lithops During Splitting

To ensure your lithops thrives during the splitting process:

• Water carefully: During the splitting process, it’s essential to reduce watering to a minimum. This allows the lithops to absorb water and nutrients from the old leaves, supporting the new growth. Normal watering at this point can cause the plant to etiolate (stretch taller due to excessive intake of water), while also hindering the old leaves’ natural shrinking process.
• Provide optimal light: Ensure your lithops receives bright, indirect light to promote healthy growth. Natural sunlight is particularly beneficial during this stage, as it helps accelerate the shrinking process of the old leaves more effectively than artificial growlights.
• Maintain good air circulation: Good air circulation helps prevent fungal diseases, promotes healthy growth and reduces chances of rot.

Don’t be dismayed if the new growth appears much smaller than the old leaves. It’s common for the new growth to seem tiny in comparison to the old leaves, as they are notoriously slow growers.

Interestingly, the new leaves emerge at a 90-degree angle to the old leaves due to the plant’s unique growth habit. This adaptation allows lithops to:

• Optimise light exposure: By growing new leaves at a right angle to the old ones, lithops can maximise its exposure to sunlight. The new leaves can receive direct sunlight, while the old leaves provide shade and protection.
• Increase surface area: The perpendicular growth of new leaves allows lithops to increase its surface area, enabling it to absorb more sunlight, water, and nutrients.

By understanding the splitting process, you can enjoy the amazing transformation of your lithops as it renews itself every year. Remember, it’s a natural process, and with proper care, your lithops will thrive and continue to fascinate you with its unique beauty for years to come!