Lithops Seeds

🌿 Lithops Seed Growing Instructions (Living Stones)

1. Prepare the Soil Container

Gently open the plastic container with the pre-mixed seed soil.
Lightly press the soil surface to level and lightly compact it — do not over-compress.
Moisten the surface using a mini water pipette or fine mist spray until the soil is damp but not soggy.

2. Sow the Seeds

Locate the seed vial. Tap the lid lightly to move all seeds to the bottom.
Sprinkle seeds evenly, spacing them about 0.2 inches (5 mm) apart across the soil.
❗ Do not bury the seeds — Lithops seeds require light to germinate.

3. Maintain Moisture and Cover

Mist the soil again gently after sowing to ensure good seed-to-soil contact.
Cover the container with the provided clear lid or humidity dome to help retain moisture and warmth.
Keep the soil consistently moist but never waterlogged during germination.

4. Provide Light and Temperature

Place the container in indirect or filtered sunlight (a bright windowsill with sheer curtain or under a grow light is ideal).
Maintain temperature between 65–75°F (18–24°C).
⚠️ Avoid direct sun and high heat, which can dry the soil too quickly or kill the seeds.

5. Germination Period

Germination typically begins within 2 to 3 weeks, but can vary.
Monitor for sprouting — once about 60–70% of seeds have germinated, remove the lid to allow airflow and reduce the risk of mold.

6. Care for Seedlings

Keep seedlings in bright, indirect light.
Begin introducing direct sunlight gradually over a few weeks to avoid scorching.
Water only when the top ¼ inch (6 mm) of soil is dry — avoid overwatering.
Once seedlings are about 22-3 months old, start allowing the soil to dry out completely between waterings to mimic their natural desert cycle.

7. Transplanting

After about 3 months, when the seedlings are stronger, transplant them carefully into a larger pot with well-draining succulent soil.
Allow a day or two before watering again after transplanting.

8. Final Tips

Be patient — not all seeds germinate at the same time.
Lithops grow slowly; it's normal to see minimal changes in the first few months.
Avoid fertilizing young seedlings — wait at least 6 months before introducing a very diluted cactus fertilizer if desired.

🌼 Lithops Transplant Tips for Seedlings

1. Choose the Right Pot

Use a clay (terra-cotta) or plastic pot with drainage holes at the bottom.
Ideal pot size: 3–4 inches deep.

2. Prepare the Soil Mix

Prepare a well-draining soil mix by combining succulent or cactus soil with sand (avoid fine sand), perlite, or pumice. Aim for a ratio of approximately 40–60 or 50–50 to ensure good drainage and aeration.

3. Add a Top Dressing Layer (Support)

Add a thin layer of fine river pebbles or gravel (2–3 mm size) on top to provide support and stability to the seedlings.

4. Fill the Pot

Slightly moisten the soil — just enough to hold shape, not soaked.
Fill the pot with soil up to about 1/3 inch (1 cm) from the rim.

5. Transplant the Seedlings

Use a pencil or similar tool to make a hole matching the size and depth of the germination cup, ensuring a snug fit for the seedlings.

6. Add Supportive Gravel (Optional)

Sprinkle a thin layer of gravel over the cotton and between the seedlings.
This helps support the seedlings and reduce mold.

7. Final Moistening

Lightly mist the surface to settle the soil and gravel, avoiding overwatering at this stage.

💡 Common Causes of Low or No Germination & How to Fix Them

Seeds Were Buried Too Deep
Lithops seeds require light to germinate. Ensure seeds are sprinkled evenly on the soil surface and not buried. Lightly pressing them into the soil can help with seed-to-soil contact.
Insufficient Moisture
Keep the potting medium consistently moist during the germination period. Use a fine mist spray bottle to avoid displacing seeds. Opening the lid once a day to release excess humidity can help prevent mold growth.
Lack of Proper Lighting
Provide 12–14 hours of bright, indirect light daily. A full-spectrum grow light placed 2–3 inches above the germination tray is ideal. Avoid direct afternoon sunlight, as it can overheat and damage the seeds.
Temperature Fluctuations
Maintain a consistent temperature between 65–75°F (18–24°C) for optimal germination. Avoid placing germination trays on windowsills where temperatures can fluctuate, especially during midday.
Poor Air Circulation
While maintaining humidity is crucial, adequate air circulation is equally important. Open the lid for a 30-60 minutes daily to allow fresh air exchange and reduce the risk of fungal growth.

🌱 Seedling Care Tips During Growth

Stretching Seedlings: Causes and Care

If seedlings appear long, thin, or leggy, it is usually due to insufficient light and high temperatures. Increase bright, indirect light and maintain slightly cooler conditions to encourage stronger growth.
Sprinkle a thin layer of coarse sand or fine pea gravel (about 1/8 inch size) around the base of the seedlings, just enough to cover the exposed root portion (the white part). This helps stabilize the seedlings.
Use a toothpick or small stick to gently straighten any fallen seedlings, keeping them upright to promote healthy growth.
Add more coarse sand or fine gravel to fill gaps between seedlings, providing additional support and preventing movement.

💧 Simple Watering Schedule for Seedlings

Keep the soil consistently moist—not soaking wet—to support healthy seedling growth. Proper ventilation after watering is essential; ensure good airflow to help the soil dry evenly and prevent mold or rot. Avoid watering during the hottest part of the day—water early in the morning or late in the evening instead.

Watering Frequency by Month:

First Month: Water once a day
Second Month: Water once every other day
Third Month: Water three times a week
Fourth to Fifth Month: Water twice a week
Sixth Month: Water once a week

After six months, seedlings can be watered like mature plants. The key to keeping them healthy during this early stage is maintaining moist but not soggy soil and protecting them from direct sunlight, which can burn tender leaves.