What To Do When You Get A New Lithops Plant. Checking Root Health And Removing Soil From Roots

[@jhernandez335xi]

Plant mama here... I would strongly advise against washing soil down your kitchen sink drain. That soil can block up your pipes over time. If you've never had to replace the pipes from the street to your house, it'll run you anywhere from $20-$40K. I have 5gl buckets I work with when I have to rinse dirt from the roots. That water goes outside into my compost afterward in the event there are mealies or other pests.

[@tinahamilton9058]

A enormous amount of information about lithops. I love these plants so much, and have had terrible (no) luck with them. Ashley is giving an entire new approach, I bought four little guys and hope to have much better luck following her methods. Thanks so much!

[@toddness305]

How did it go with your “new” lithops?

[@romeozain432]

i guess I'm kinda randomly asking but does anyone know of a good website to stream new series online ?

[@succulentlivingbymarija8872]

I like these types of videos! Watching someone else working and making mess is so soothing. 😄

[@chatryna]

lmao.

[@ramatyagi8165]

😁

[@seaglass8940]

I just ordered my first Lithops, your video on their repotting and care is the best I've seen, Thank you!

[@ingrid3578]

thank you. You've fully assured me that rinsing soil off succulents doesn't spell death! I've avoided it ever since owning plants.

[@izabelaszydlowska3940]

Ashley you make the best educational videos! You show examples, you throw in some science, and when you talk about lithops, I almost feel like I understand them just a little bit :) I don't have any myself but I will watch videos about any type of succulent out of sheer curiosity. Whenever I hear someone complaining about lithops, I just send them a link to your channel. Great job!!!

[@phileofarm1]

Awww!!! Thank you! You just made my day! I have to admit I often look around KZbin and think “maybe I’m just too weird and geeky!” 🤓 I truly LOVE helping other people with their plants, as well as helping break down seemingly complicated subjects into bite size information that can be easily understood and utilized! But I sometimes wonder if I’m accomplishing that, or just talking about the weird things I’m interested in! 😉. If people were interested in the geeky stuff wouldn’t more people be making videos about it? Then I remind myself of how long it took me to learn/find a lot of this info... and I think perhaps since few are sharing a lot of detailed info about these guys on KZbin particularly, maybe that’s a reason to share MORE not less! And hearing feedback like this makes me grateful I pushed out of my shell and started making videos, and even better than that, your encouragement just made me smile so big! 😊 If my videos are helping even a few people understand their beautiful plants and what they need just a little bit better, that’s all I could hope for! Thanks so much for making my day with your sweet comment! Hope you have a wonderful weekend, and Happy Growing! 💗💗

[@izabelaszydlowska3940]

keep doing what you're doing Ashley!! :)

[@michaelkenyon3372]

i've wanted to get in to lithops for a long time and this video is really eye opening. thanks!

[@spselman526]

Getting some lithops from a friend tomorrow and this has been a fantastic video to watch but I"M SO NERVOUS TO CHECK THE ROOTS AAAAAHHHHHH!!!!!! :)

[@heftyhefty_]

One of the most informative videos I’ve come across in the Succulent world. Thank you! I

[@yliberal6355]

I am seriously thinking about purchasing Lithops now that I watched your video tutorial. It was very interesting and informative!

[@jeanettejackson1876]

One of the very best videos on this plant ever! You are a wonderful leaf mom.

[@zacharytrudell2411]

This video could not be a coincidence xD I am getting lithops tomorrow and I was wondering about exactly this

[@jamesc4158]

Google personalized advertising

[@AnnasViolets]

Great video. I was going to repot my lithops, but I was afraid to wash the roots in winter. I guess I will have to :)

[@missanna208802]

Oh finally someone talking about these the way I talk about growing orchids. I have not heard one-NOT ONE person talk about pot size with these things before. The issue I have is with "normal" plants and choosing pots large enough because I am an orchid grower and the epiphytes like a lot of air around the roots, just like succulents. That is why I tell people that if they can grow cacti, they can grow orchids. With the caveat that you have good humidity and especially pure water.

[@mutantmonkey2301]

Hey I just got a little cutie from a local flower shop and I was soooo nervous that I would kill him like the ones I had as a kid 😭 but thanks to you and your wonderful content I now have confidence in being a Lithop mom 💪💕

[@deborahbarry9421]

Thank you so much this is the best info I have gotten on these particular cacti. Just started my new obsession with these Living Rock beauties!

[@ValerieGethin]

Do you have a tutorial on proper pot sizes, material etc for lithops?

[@PistachioChicken]

Hey Ashley - I hope you see this quickly! I washed the roots of my newly acquired lithops. It has a massive root system - and I think it must have been in this little pot for a long time. As a result, some of the major roots have grabbed onto what looks like might have originally been a piece of wood (it will not wash away!). I was wondering if I can or should cut that part of the roots?

[@danagrant3252]

I watched this video sometimes last week. And then watched several other of your video especially for the ones on lithops roots. Mine was really dry. I repotted them but it had been raining and the soil was wet. I was worried about the root rotting or worst. Yesterday my pumice order arrived and I wanted to repot them again even tho the soil is still pretty wet. I was very nervous at what I might find but happily I found new root growth. So thank you so much. Your videos are very informative :)

[@kenjiro2676]

dana grant watering Lithops with poor root system will encourage new root growth. So now it has new roots let them developing let the roots suck up the remaining moisture and continue regular watering schedule for lithops

[@ojalajodi]

You are so brave with the water. I did clean the roots off mine when I got him. Not with water like you but the soil was a little moist after putting him in his pot. He did just fine for months. He was not spiting and I thought he felt a little soft. I got worried and gave him 1 teaspoon of water and he swelled up and rotted. I have no idea what happened.

[@hannahjohnston3757]

I personally use a vacuum (like a shop vac) to clean the roots. I’ve found it’s the most efficient way to do this, instead of digging at the roots. I don’t lose any roots in the process, and i get a much better look at what I’m working with :)

[@sarahmead6706]

Mine came in the mail in ball of cotton and the roots are so small that they are not even the same length of the plant…no soil and it’s little cold outside as well this is my first time growing them so do you think they will survive??

[@hergreenthumb990]

Thank you. I'm very interested with lithops. When lithops grow 2 sets of leaves, is the plant growing 2 sets of root system? Like you have 2 separate plants already? #curious

[@chatryna]

I wonder what this video would have looked like if the angle of the camera was on your left side when washing the roots. The lighting was great, content helpful. I appreciate you sharing your knowledge. Thank you.

[@lynnburns7663]

Excellent video,very informative.

[@kathyn3978]

I’m disappointed there are hardly any replies in this feed. Lots of great questions here! Also am I the only one that sees small gnats flying around??? The disadvantage of getting plants from a big box store…

[@angeloskts9217]

I admit I am a lithop murderer... I love them and I have dozens of them, just to make sure that i always have some alive. Your video is soo good, thank you very much. Maybe I will slowly get better at this with your advices :)

[@NC-wl1xm]

Thank you Ashley so much for doing this series of videos. I'm totally new to succulents and even more lithops and split rocks. Have you done a video like this for split rocks? would it be same principals? I live in S. Florida and right now we are entering hurricane season, high humidity and rain. I got a couple of sets that came 3 -4 attached from Lowes. One set detached from root system when pulling a dead leaf off. I keep them outside in bright/shade and acclimating them to sun by putting them out morning sun for a couple of hours. Do I need to keep the ones that separated from roots inside in ac or out in shade ok. Our humidity ranges from 50-75% right now and mid 80;s to low 90's right now in June. and when transplanting do I water at all? tnx again for all your time and sharing your knowledge

[@Gar-thomas-Carwyn-Cooksley]

Hi. I just love your channel. Your amazing. But I just wanted to ask a question. The plants living stones. I thought that the leaves on the outside die back to let the middle new plat grow and they go soft as the Nurish the new plant comming out the middle. And you don't water them while the leaves die back, as this can kill the plant. As living stones need to be dry as the newer baby plant is growing out . ? Is this all not correct

[@youtrippin35]

When your watering the soil away does it matter on the type of city water?

[@lorrihager1057]

Ashley. What do you know about split Rock?

[@sc8307]

I use a bowl or pitcher when washing away the soil to avoid wasting water. Another video I watched said it's ok to put them in a large pot because they will grow out and fill it up. Is that not the case? If you do put them in a smaller pot, will they need to be repotted more often?

[@henryziegler3516]

Very informative. Many thanks for making the effort!

[@TexasNan]

If you just have to plant them in a mix of cactus medium and rocks so that they don't die out how long before you can plant them in a rock mixture

[@violettasokolov6187]

special thanks to you!

[@reesepiece87]

Can you do a video on how to harvest lithops seeds after they flower? One of mine finished blooming and it's just been sitting there LOL

[@kenjiro2676]

Question. Winters in my area bring frost on a daily in the morning. Can I keep my Lithops by my south western window sill with supplement of LED lights? Should I also invest in a timer that I can adjust?

[@mischka54]

So helpful, thank you!!

[@LemonsGraphics]

What if theres little to no white hair roots? All of my roots are firm but yellow so the older roots, I saw a few white hair roots but not alot? Whats the care process for these?

[@thelmalopez7339]

I got eight new lithops and they are tiny. they are about 2 cm each and they are all in the same small pot. should I just leave them there for a time or should I start to split them up already? They are not in soil but in some gritty sandy like mixture.

[@pamsmith7237]

Just wondering what county in North Idaho you live in? And do you sell or have a shop? I am from Idaho county. And now live just across the river from Nez Perce county. i am so glad i found your videos. It has been a struggle to find true Lithops, Pleiospilos, and other mimicry type plant info. thanks so much.

[@davidschmidt270]

Hello ....I'm a new subscriber here and I guess I'm wondering if I can even get a lithop! Here's my set up : I live in Phoenix AZ zone 9 b ...I have a south facing window with plenty of sunshine east to west...no tree's, the neighbors don't have tree's either! ...we have an EVAP cooler so it gets kinda hot inside...do you think it's ok for my succulents?? I got a bunch of live forever and Blue chalk sticks, graptosedum'ghosty' succulents and I'm wondering if they'll make it as I cannot provide AC .....my blue Alf aloe's don't seem to be liking the heat....makes me sad because I really do like them a lot.... anyhow I'm wondering if I can add lithops to my succulent family under these conditions or if you think that's a bad idea, ....any feedback is greatly appreciated...thank you so much 🍄🍄🍄🥕🍅🍌🛌🌴🌧️💧🌦️🐓🌽🥰😏💯💥💤🎉

[@Peggysue661]

Good info!😊

[@minkaess2737]

You mentioned that sometimes when the lithop is pushing new leaves the older leaves don’t shrivel up and stay tall because the new growth is so tiny. Will it eventually shrivel up? I have a small split rock doing this exact thing and I’m wondering if there’s anything I can do to help it!

[@sinsintome]

Can you and should you wash away the soil for other succulents (when you first bring them home) like you did here?

[@stardoll1995]

I have a question I got mine a week ago and when I decided to check the soil on them cause I didn't like the one they were in I saw mold both on the bottom on the pot and when I cleaned out the roots I saw mold close to the roots as well, the lithops looked good and all of them had just gotten rid of old leaves, I reppoted them and got them new clean soil after cleaning out the pot, I also removed all the mold that was close to the roots, is there anything else I should do now?

[@sarahkelsey5026]

Thank you for this amazing vid! So helpful! I loved washing the dirt away and seeing the roots feels nice to give special care to these little babies :) would u ever treat other cacti with this attention before potting or just especially these because they are so sensitive rotting? Thanks!!

[@ЦветочныйрайМилаК]

I'm sorry can I ask you: where are you buy pumice and how much you pay? Thank you

[@ylke1237]

I would love to know what time of the year should lithops typically split and open for their new leaves? Thanks!

[@terryklemesrud758]

Great video...very helpful!!! Thanks!

[@succulentlivingbymarija8872]

Would you treat split rock same way? I have purple one that got little brown on leaves when I got it.

[@phileofarm1]

Succulent Living by Marija, yes, unless they are bare root, or just really happy in a potting medium, I would wash the dirt off the same way. I even go a bit more extreme and rinse split rocks in peroxide after I get all the soil washed off. I haven’t been able to find enough split rocks to do a bunch of comparison and experimenting, but they seems to be especially prone to fungal infections, so I would remove the soil quickly, and rinse any damaged tissue with peroxide or another anti fungal before allowing it to fully dry before planting. But I haven’t had many split rocks, but the few I had and didn’t do this with all died. They were from Home Depot so maybe they were doomed already, but I’ve had better luck removing the soil completely with water and going from there. Time will tell though, and I REALLY hope to get a dozen or so and do some good experimenting and try some more consistent and wide spread experimentation! Until then, I’m limited to my research and limited experience, but treating split rocks in this manner has worked well so far for me! 💗

[@succulentlivingbymarija8872]

Ashley Glassman / Succulent Alchemy all Lowe’s stores just got them yesterday. But the one I’m talking about are from fairy blooms few months ago ... it might be late 😣

[@rachaelhyland754]

Awesome video! Thanks so much

[@bobbymalta73]

Thank You.

[@alialventroz2025]

What is the remedy when your lithops splits near the roots? Will the cinnamon powder helps repair it or it will die just like that? Thank you.

[@sherylhuffman9200]

I just received three little lithops in the mail each about the size of a good size pea with two split leaves and a taproot about one inch long with no soil and wrapped in tissue paper how do I get these guys potted up . I also have a potting soil made especially for growing lithops .

[@Moon-cd4bv]

Should I do it right now? its December in the UK and its on a South window in my bedroom (warmest room in the house) I got it yesterday

[@Moon-cd4bv]

nvm, I've potted them in gravel (and bought 4 more, they're all different types) but tysm for all the help anyway! I didnt know much apart than they are RIDICULOUSLY fussy lol

[@patchu6425]

Do I do this with my split rock too? Just recieved it and its come in horrible soil xx

[@kaixin1303]

Hi, is planting lithops individually or in groups in a pot better? What pot size do u suggest for both?

[@bradleypatrick5030]

I recently bought a few different lithops or mimic plants. One looked quite different and was larger with a small one in the middle. Unfortunately I had not yet watched your video and watered it way too much. Now the older part is like waterlogged and breaking down. The little part looks like it's trying to escape. Is it too damaged or can I trim it in any way? I've since gently removed the soil and replanted it in rocks.

[@billrogers7474]

one question.....what is preferred for lithos when repotting..........plastic or clay?

[@everymandan4176]

You want Terra Cotta vs plastics bc the latter will breath/wick & plastic does not.

[@sunshinecarnivores1919]

When do regular nurseries like Home Depot start carrying these guys? Tried them as a kid and I killed them and now I want to try them again.

[@cindynordlie2109]

How much light do they need in the winter?

[@ericlie145]

Hi... I got alot of lithops with cavity 11:15. Any idea what causes it? Anybody know where is the forum that talks about lithops?

[@Frank-oj7dc]

Do you plant the roots when you move them?

[@lorrihager1057]

What do you use for pests? I was watching one of your videos snd good said something “earth “?

[@jeanine6492]

Hi, diatomaceous earth.

[@ariwoodward]

all your lithops that are splitting or abt to split look plump mine are getting very dry and small but they shld be getting to the point where theyd split, ive heard watering early is a death sentence but they dont even look like they have enough water to split, im doubting that theres any growth happening inside of them cuz theyre pretty damn small

[@samahadel3970]

please help, I bought living stones two months ago, it started to shrink and disappear, only one stone is remaining, why all of them disappeared I don't know, could anyone help to keep the remaining one please

[@redredwine1277]

Thanks! 🌸🌺🌼

[@succulentlivingbymarija8872]

Good info! Thank you!

[@michellejett4849]

Hi I just received some little bitty babies of those particular types of plants that look like rocks and I potted mine up but I was wondering are you on Instagram cuz I would like to send you a picture so you could tell me if I did everything right..

[@chandrashekhar180]

Hey does this plant survive in Indian climate, we have summer of 38-42 degree Celsius with about 150 mm rainfall and winter of 10 to 20 degrees ?

[@kenjiro2676]

Chandrashekhar Deore there are communities online in India that can answer your question. But after researching, and knowing for a fact that India is a warm and humid place, you may not need to water a whole lot. Take my information with salt and scan the forums!

[@Geistkitty]

How long does it usually take for them to split fully once they start opening and you see the new leaves inside?

[@phileofarm1]

It totally depends on your location, the variety of lithops, how much light/water it’s been given etc. I’ve seen some lithops split fully in a few weeks, while others have taken upwards of 5 months to completely shed their outer leaves. On average I’d say maybe a month or two, but with all the lithops that have been over/under watered there’s a lot of time variation these days in splitting. Not sure if that really helps answer your question? I wish I could be more specific, but it really varies! 💗

[@Geistkitty]

Thank you! Yes it does help. I got my first lithops about a year ago and I noticed it starting to split at the beginning of this year. It's still slowly opening but not half way yet. It's exciting watching the slow transformation though!

[@SuperDaneesh]

Where to contact you and ask your help regarding lithops

[@phileofarm1]

Towards Nature, the Facebook group “Succulent Alchemy” which is in the description box is probably the best option. You can post photos there, and lots of people can help answer questions! I try to help out with all the questions I can, but can’t answer them all personally right now, but the group is a great place with a lot of growers that are happy to share their success and failures! And if I’m able to I’ll be glad to pipe in as well! But photos and a detailed description in the group should get you some good info hopefully! 💗

[@welcometofpv6283]

Your husband must be a plumber

[@nelsonlobo3615]

I heard that lithops hate bath....

[@anitahendricks]

[@MrEmoscream]

Are you having a very dry throat or lips? You keeps on smacking your lips 😂

[@MTDucas]

to much lip snap

[@elainepham777]

Kinda worried for your pipes with all the dirt you throw down there.

[@kv1815]

Thank you for the info, but this is so extremely wordy. This video could have been 10 mins shorter.

[@demibolger7161]

You should learn to that clicking your tongue all the time is annoying

[@phileofarm1]

I had a severe illness that almost killed me, and caused extreme dry mouth at the time, and i couldn’t talk for more than a minute without my tongue clicking because it would stick to the roof of my mouth when I tried to swallow. Couldn’t control it. But I am better and can talk without clicking now! 😊

[@7burnitdown]

This chicks voice gives me anxiety

[@mssayesra]

horrible and stressfull video...how not to treat lithops plant should have been the title.