Making a Lithops Rock Garden

[@sologirl01]

I bought my first lithop at a CVS .I had never seen one before and I just fell in love !!Well I took it home and put it in a cute pot ,watering it a little every week. To my dismay it rotted and fell over. I was crushed! Well now I am checking out these videos and learning what to do and not do. I purchased lithop seeds and now trying to grow some. Wish me luck !!

[@mybrother1350]

sologirl01 did the seeds grow?

[@lovetropicals203]

My 8 year old son saw me watching this video. He was amazed that there were plants that look like rocks. So thanks for getting us started on lithops. I ordered him seeds on ebay and we now have 8 tiny little seedlings sprouted so far. We just planted them Monday. Here's to hoping we keep them growing. I did go find him 3 bigger ones in a pot at a greenhouse since I read after we got the seeds that it takes a long time for them to grow. Anyway, love your videos. Keep up the good work!

[@PlantzNThings]

That is so awesome :) welcome to the wonderful world of Lithops addiction..lol please keep me updated on your seedling progress :) if you use Facebook i would love if you would post photos on my Plantznthings whats growing page.

[@lovetropicals203]

I do use facebook. Is the what's growing page different then the regular PlantzNThings page? You can barely see the seedlings now. Not sure how long it will take for them to grown.

[@PlantzNThings]

within 1 year they will have shed their seed leaves and look like a tiny adult. The Plantznthings what's growing page is a group i created so that the members can share photos and comment and respond. It's turning into more of a community. The main plantznthings page seems to be focused on me. if you were to post photos there they are not front and centre. they get tucked off into a small corner and i don't like that.

[@marissaangelica8837]

Hi Bill B! I just wanted to comment and tell you that your video inspired me to make my own Lithops Rock Garden! Thank you for the soil recipe and sharing your love of growing!

[@growingthings6232]

The garden looks great Bill cant wait to see them bloom

[@PlantzNThings]

Oh I keep forgetting they bloom :) This planter i'll place outside this summer.. that will help them bloom next fall/winter.

[@ToadyBloyster]

After watching your newer video on lithops I think I can see where you went wrong and likely why you lost one of these. I'd always advise people to get as much of the peat off of the roots before potting up lithops. Don't worry about any root damage aside from the tap root which you need to be very careful not to break; all the feeder roots are likely dead already anyway as lithops produce roots after rain or watering and these then die once the soil dries out. By not freeing up the roots from the peat you either risk killing the plant by over-wetting the peat around their roots which stays too wet and allows them to rot or if the water doesn't penetrate the peat, then the plant is getting little to no water and shrivels away into nothingness. That said, sometimes the damage is already done as you say but it doesn't hurt to try your utmost to turn them around for the better. I'd always recommend people to get their lithops from a specialist succulent nursery rather than garden centres as they grow them in much better medium and you are much more likely to receive a healthy plant that has been well cared for and is therefore much more likely to survive but failing that then take the extra time to remove the peat from the roots and leave the plant unwatered for a couple of weeks to see where it's at in terms of yearly cycle. I know all too well about losing mesembs purchased from Garden centres, earlier this year I lost two Pleiospilos nelii plants due to overwatering from the garden centre. Keep up with the lithops though, I'd love to see more of lithops on your channel and hope you continue to expand your succulent and cacti collection.

[@patchu6425]

Beautiful! I'm going to make one. 🌿

[@Malvo0ovlaM]

You should of remove that soil from the roots, as it is most likely peat. Peat stunts root growth and in time will kill your lithops. Try and use a even more mineral mix that the one you made in this video, in fact they grow very well in pure pumice, just remember to occasionally fertilize them with a extremely diluted solution Lithops don't require much water, in fact i completely forget about mine for months on end and they grow and look great! Also avoid that nasty noon sun, it will scorch them!! Happy growing :)

[@educhaves8244]

Thank you for the tips!

[@romyespy6586]

Love your videos! Thank you so much!!

[@getAMCIVideos]

Nice show, looks cool so far.

[@dragonflywhisperer6412]

I do my morning gardenin in my pjs love ur videos ur so fun to watch...lol..

[@kaedee6135]

No worries about the pjs I love being on my sweatpants no judgement here. 🙂

[@CanarianReggie]

Lithops updates are my favorite videos :D

[@PlantzNThings]

I'm happy to her that :) They are one of my favorite plants :)

[@Neonrollerskates]

I wish I could find lithops in my area!! Grrr. Valerie from Chicago

[@PlantzNThings]

they seem to be seasonal plants.. just keep your eyes open for them.. usually I see them 2 times a year. Whenever I'm in the US I see them at Lowes.. you might try there sometime.

[@whitleymunns9727]

"Its real cute" XD I love this. thank you!

[@orchidlover9537]

Really cool clay pot!

[@PlantzNThings]

Thanks, really earthy.. I like it a lot.

[@Wand33]

I liked this video the minute you told us about your pj pants! Virtual high five!

[@PlantzNThings]

+Tails *High Five*

[@kristymakepeace8431]

Couldn't agree more. I was actually watching the video in my PJs after repotting some of my own plants :P

[@AdrianSoulie]

Wow that's so coooooooool !!!!! These little guys are so amazing :)

[@PlantzNThings]

It's such a fun low care project.

[@cpasradi]

So cool!

[@hortonnoah44]

I've always wanted to grow these!

[@PlantzNThings]

They can be an addiction... and a Great plant if you hate to water :)

[@snarkygrin4132]

Very cool! Wish I could find them in Hawaii but thus far I've had no luck.

[@PlantzNThings]

interesting.. you might need to buy seeds.

[@JohnCrowe1975]

Gardening is relaxing, so it would make sense to Garden in your comfy PJs! Lol :-)

[@PlantzNThings]

lol... Yes Indeed :)

[@JohnCrowe1975]

:-)

[@bobbymalta73]

Thanks For Sharing!

[@BeautyMarkedOrchids]

I'm going to make one of those gardens love it. I sometime water all my orchids in bra and undies sooooo no judgement here...lol

[@PlantzNThings]

BeautyMarked Orchids LOL...

[@chadtx254]

I picked up some of these from Home Depot after watching your videos. Hopefully I can keep them alive, they were only $3.59 each. I got 6. Hopefully I can keep them alive

[@MissOrchidGirl]

I love how the arrangement looks! I wanted to do smth similar but you won;t believe what I did lol.. I managed to drop the pot of my Lithops in the bucket I water my orchids with.. and the bucket had water so now I have some seriously fat lithops trying to split open for some new growth.. so I'm expecting them to burst any day :( i'm still hoping..

[@PlantzNThings]

LOL.. sounds like something I would do..lol.. you might be ok.. just do your best to dry them out. if you kept them dry before this, It might just perk them up :) My fingers are crossed for you :). BTW.. I just signed up to Orchidnature.com :)

[@MissOrchidGirl]

PlantzNThings they were very dry prior to this so hoping they will make it :D yay thanks for joining, don't be shy to talk to us :D also please do an update on your psychopsis and how it's doing, I am nervous about mine :(

[@PlantzNThings]

I can Certainly do that :) My second spike is slowly developing.. and I also have another bloom starting on the original spike. I hope soon it starts growing new plants..

[@BradsGreenhouse]

Awesome video, what are these Lithops Latin names? Are there easy beginner ones and more advanced high end ones?

[@PlantzNThings]

Lithops is one of their latin names. Living stones is the common name. They all have similar care. they like it dry and well draining. as seedlings they require more moisture but as they get older they can go a long time without water. i'm sure if you were to grow them in your greenhouse.. you would never need to water them directly. I'm sure they would survive just fine with all of the humidity around the roots.

[@sooneatyOrchids]

What in interesting plant. I want one or 4 or more. where do you find them? Love the idea of very little water needs and they look so pretty in that stone setting. I did not know that the stone was the plant! Beautiful Hey I checked out all your Lithops videos. Good one!

[@PlantzNThings]

Lithops are one of my favorite plants to grow. you can have a nice collection on a window ledge. they seem to be a seasonal plant at the garden centres. I do however have good luck finding them in stores like Home Depot or Lowes.

[@mantidgirl]

Would you be able to grow seedlings of these as a beginner with just sand or pebbles or that aquatic plant stuff? I can't get all three really.

[@PlantzNThings]

+mantidgirl sure... you can sprout them... they like to be constantly damp when they are very young... and at some point they will change their mind and need to be more dry... that is the hardest part.

[@sherylhuffman9200]

If it doesn't bother your plants to have you garden in your P.J.s then I say go for it .

[@PlantzNThings]

I like your thinking ;)

[@sherylhuffman9200]

Do lithops grow naturally at the beach in South Africa?

[@PlantzNThings]

not sure if they grow at the beach.

[@lostboy.v]

Where did you get the rock looking pot??

[@PlantzNThings]

Vincent Gutierrez I got that from a local garden center called Connon's Nursery.

[@SucculentFame]

Hi! I think my Lithops and Split Rocks are ready for repotting. I have been researching on whether I should put them in one planter or not. What would you suggest? What about putting them in one planter with a space of about 6 to 7 inches apart? (The planter is big) 😀 I thought I'd ask you 'cause I think you are a good and reliable source of recommendation for this. Thank you! 😀

[@PlantzNThings]

I love the idea of a mixed planter... spaced out is good... and use a really fast draining soil... with a lot of soil it takes longer to dry out... with the spacing you can localize your water if needed... not all come out of dormancy at the same time.. so water needs might not be the same.... that's the reason I like having them 1 plant per pot noe... but love the rock garden look

[@SucculentFame]

PlantzNThings Thank you for the input. I really appreciate it. 😃

[@aidenaguirre4901]

What i never garden in my pj pants... Ok fine i do u got me

[@PlantzNThings]

lol

[@shannonmccosky6258]

Hi, what is the big leafed plant to your right?

[@PlantzNThings]

+Shannon McCosky Think you are asking about the Colocasia Gigantea Thailand Giant (Elephant ear)

[@hanafri8]

I know everything about Lithops,and have seen most in their natural habitats here in South Africa and Namibia the only places they grow :) Most people know nothing about Lithops,they need hard soil,not sand and compos.

[@crltrs9023]

I love your plants can you give me some

[@growingthings6232]

who doesn't like gardening in their PJ pants lol

[@PlantzNThings]

lol.. indeed :)

[@punkysoso]

it IS really cute, i also am obsessed with lithops and have a problem (with plants in general) not to go for a good deal lol, are you ADD?

[@davemusicinca]

Awesome vid! How large is that clay pot? 4"?

[@PlantzNThings]

this pot is 5"-6" accross

[@kinan6746]

i bought 6 for $2.00

[@eileensailing4099]

where did you get them???

[@snoutysnouterson]

are these plants or biscuits? my teacher says they are just biscuits but my mom's ones have got bigger that's why I think they are plants.

[@oNeLoVe111809]

So sad watching this, as I just killed mine. I haven't watered mine in months so I thought I'd give it a drink and a couple days after I watered it I notice it rotting near soil level. So sad. Hopefully I can try again this summer. They must live on neglect. =] lol

[@PlantzNThings]

neglect is an understatement..lol.. everyone that is now successful with growing lithops has a trail of dead plants behind them..lol.. once you figure them out they are almost impossible to kill.

[@tropicforest6957]

I think an easier way of putting them in the soil would be putting the mix in then plug them in like a wine cork LOL

[@PlantzNThings]

lol.. you might be right :)

[@rudisuntoro8162]

hello I'm from Indonesia and I want to collect Lithops. Where I can buy this plants?Please help me...or maybe you can ship to me ??

[@PlantzNThings]

+rudi suntoro I bought my seed from EBAY... the plants seem to be a seasonal thing in my area. I seem to see them late summer early fall.

[@rudisuntoro8162]

thank you brother

[@heatherdiodati8063]

Hya Bill - just wondering where you picked up those lithops 'plugs' - around your area or eBay.ca or??? FYI, my little lithops pipsqueaks are still holding up - LOL! Actually something funny's happening to one of them. It looks like it's going to croak on me but there's a little teeny tiny offshoot plant coming out from the 'stem' (not from the middle - did you ever see that?) have an awesome day! ~ Heather in Quebec ~

[@PlantzNThings]

I bought the Lithops plugs from one of my local garden centres. Sounds like your babies have a mind of their own :) I've had the baby leaves split out the side of the plant. does that look like what's happening ?

[@heatherdiodati8063]

PlantzNThings Looks like that's what it's doing but the parent plant is still so very very tiny that I wouldn't have thought it would even THINK about starting to multiply. So when an offshoot starts, then the parent plant dies? It looks like it's going to shrivel...

[@heatherdiodati8063]

PlantzNThings By-the-way, you're so lucky to find these plugs - I can't find anything around my area :-(

[@PlantzNThings]

Keep watching.. they seem to be a seasonal thin in my area. more often I don't see them either.

[@sherylhuffman9200]

That paper towel is not going last very long .

[@PlantzNThings]

my intention is not to have it last forever. just want it to last long enough for the soil to settle and not run out when the pot is moved or watered... the roots will soon hold everything :)

[@TheWitchvortex]

I'm kind of sad right now. I just killed my Lithops. It died in a week, because I watered it once... I have several Aloes and Sempervivums, so I thought it won't be a big problem if I give some water to it.

[@PlantzNThings]

+TheWitchvortex they can be very tricky... once you understand them they get easier to grow.

[@TheLostOne172]

arnt these sea creatures?

[@PlantzNThings]

+radioactive wolfs carnivorous plants Not these :)

[@happybuddyperson]

I bought a bunch of the little succulents in no pots recently as well. I think there are cheapos in florida who realized they could ship succulents without having to buy pots for them and that's why there are no pots on them (my theory).

[@PlantzNThings]

I think that's a good reason :) it's funny that the price isn't lower as well. well these Lithops were cheap but the other succulent seemed pricey for the size of them.

[@happybuddyperson]

yea, but I still got a bunch of em. although, they had some that were a half year or so ahead in growth where I got mine, for a dollar more, and they were just in a pot and had less species to choose from.

[@PlantzNThings]

ooo around a dollar is a good price. mine was almost 3 dollars each.

[@happybuddyperson]

i mean the ones i bought were one dollar less then the potted ones, not the sucuclents were a dollar, they were 2.80 for one or 2.45 each if you buy 5 of the non potted ones

[@PlantzNThings]

Were you shopping at Connon's in Waterdown too?..lol

[@orionshomeproductions]

I just got 25 for 30 bucks shipping included

[@meadowfrance]

Super cute! I should make one of these for my brother, he wants plants but he doesn't remember to water. I, on the other hand, love to water and would probably kill these guys.

[@PlantzNThings]

lol.. yes, If you love to water... these are not a good fit. :)