This little guy was found in a corner of the only nursery nearby that sells lithops. It had gotten knocked away from the others, and so was not getting overwatered. In fact, it had shriveled up and gone dormant. I wanted to see if completely wrinkled, dehydrated lithops could revive (that's me, ever curious!)--I brought it home and broke the rule of, "Don't water while the new leaves are emerging." That's an important rule and I've only broken it this once, in the interest of science, of course.
Sure enough, the lithops "reactivated" and began to use the old leaves to feed and water the new set. The new leaves are much more plump now, and the old leaves are quite shriveled, as you can see. I think the new leaves are going to be fine. I've seen pictures of lithops during the dry periods in S. Africa, and they are even more wrinkled than this. What a tough plant! Once these old leaves are thoroughly dessicated, I believe I can start giving the new leaves more regular waterings. If I'm wrong about that, let me know, I'm still learning the Mysterious Lithops Watering Cycle.
Hi Mara. How brave of you to water this Lithops, but judging from the photo, it sure looks like it was the right move because the plant looks very healthy and happy. When you first got the plant, could you see the new leaves already emerging, or did the leaves appear after you watered it? :-)
ReplyDeleteI'd remove the old leaves by pulling them or with scissors :)
ReplyDeleteThe plant was very glad to get water at last! Good luck with it
it's a karasmontana, btw ;)
DeleteLove face on the plant. This is such a universal topic - nurseries and saving succulents! We just had this discussion this morning with a neighbour of mine. Sometimes also a excuse to buy one or two plants! LOL!
ReplyDeleteDear Gaianursery,
ReplyDeleteI really kind of agonized over whether to water or not, but it just seemed the plant said, "Yes! Water me!" and it turned out to be the right thing. The people at the nursery were sure it was dead....
Rika,
ReplyDeleteOne leaf came off this morning on its own, so I'll remove the other and start "growth cycle" watering. I was thinking it might be a karasmontana.... Thanks as always for your good advice!
Little Expanded,
ReplyDeleteI admit I do feel for those poor nursery plants that have been given exactly the wrong treatment. If one looks like it can survive, I'll sometimes buy it at a discount, or ask the nursery manager and they'll sometimes just give it to me so they don't have to get rid of it themselves!
I like to treasure hunt for discounted plants at garden centers/nurseries/yard sales or anywhere really. There's something rewarding about finding a plant on its last legs and bringing it back to life. I have to be careful and selective though, because some plants are in real dire straits, or have diseases or bugs, as I've discovered on some plants I've purchased. These bugs can spread to other plants at home.
ReplyDeleteExactly, a lot of these plants are walking dead and there's really no point. But if I see a strong one with a lively vibe, I will usually give it a try. Bugs are a definite no way, just too infectious to the others.
ReplyDeleteWorking with a plant in dire straits is actually a very good way to learn quickly about a certain species, and how to care for it. The learning curve has a real urgency about it!