Lithops dorotheae

Lithops dorotheae key facts

Growing Difficulty

Beginner-friendly

Lifespan

Perennial (little published data on lifespan)

Size

Medium-sized Lithops; divides into two heads about every two years

Temperature

8〜25℃

Watering

A little slow-release or liquid fertiliser from autumn to spring

Light & Placement

Keep it in a sunny, rain-sheltered spot outdoors all year. It dislikes midsummer heat and humidity, so give airflow and shade to keep it cool.

Watering

It is a winter grower. From September to November water thoroughly when the soil dries; flowers may not open fully if it is short of water. In winter water on warm days, and in the summer rest just mist two or three times a month.

Temperature & Overwintering

Keep winter minimums above about 3°C to keep plants looking good (they survive down to roughly 0-3°C). Light frost rarely kills them, but bring them in or protect them in the coldest spell.

Soil & Repotting

It sends down a thick taproot, so use a reasonably deep pot and free-draining mix. It needs repotting only when growth slows or the pot is crowded, ideally in October-November.

Propagation

Propagate from seed (October-November) or by dividing clumps. Division is the sure way to keep the pattern of selections such as 'Zorro'.

Pests & Cautions

Scale insects and aphids may attack buds and flowers and root mealybugs the roots; slugs eat petals and cutworms the leaves. Pick off spent flowers, which can cause rot.

About Lithops dorotheae

Lithops dorotheae is a medium-sized lithops with deep red branching patterns on its swollen windows. Beginner-friendly, it can divide and form a clump over time. Here are its features and care basics.

7 things to know before growing Lithops dorotheae

1. 1Light and placement

   Lithops love sun, so keep the plant where it gets plenty of direct light. With too little light it stretches and loses its compact shape. Long exposure to rain can damage it, so outdoors choose a spot under eaves or another place shielded from rain.

2. 2Water by season

   Watering centers on the autumn growing season, and only once the soil has dried out completely. Cut back sharply during the winter-to-spring molting period and the summer dormancy. Daily watering can lead to root rot or split bodies, so avoid it.

3. 3Fast-draining soil

   Choose a soil that drains quickly. A succulent mix blended with pumice or fine grit drains better and makes the plant easier to grow. Because the roots run deep, use a pot with a drainage hole and a bit of depth.

4. 4Hold water when molting

   Lithops molt, pushing a new pair of leaves out from inside the old pair. This mostly happens from winter into spring, and you should hold off on watering until the old leaves have shrunk away. Watering partway through can put stress on the plant.

5. 5Summer rest and airflow

   Summer heat slows growth and puts the plant into dormancy, so keep watering to a minimum. Hot, humid air can cause rot, so give it a bright, shaded, well-ventilated spot. In winter, protect it from frost and keep it somewhere sunny, such as indoors.

6. 6When to repot

   You do not need to repot every year. Do it in October or November, during the growing season, when the plant has divided into a crowded clump, growth has slowed, or the soil has worn out. Its taproot runs deep, so use a pot with some depth. Trim old roots, plant into fresh dry soil, and hold off on watering for a while.

7. 7Choosing by the pattern

   The strength and layout of the pattern vary from plant to plant, so part of the fun is picking the one you like. Look for a firm top with no wrinkles, discoloration or damage as a sign of health. Compare pattern types too, such as selected forms with markings only in the center.

Frequently asked questions about Lithops dorotheae

Q.Can beginners grow Lithops dorotheae?

A.It is considered a beginner-friendly variety. Give it good sun and airflow and keep watering modest and matched to the season, and it is an easy plant to grow.

Q.How often should I water it?

A.Rather than a fixed number of days, go by the season and how dry the soil is. Water mainly in the autumn growing season once the soil is fully dry, and hold back during molting and summer dormancy.

Q.Can I water while it is molting?

A.As a rule, hold off. Waiting without water until the old leaves have shrunk away and the new pair has taken over helps reduce stress on the plant.

Q.How big does it get?

A.It is a medium-sized lithops. It can divide and form a clump, so the pot fills up as the plant multiplies.

Q.Can I grow it indoors?

A.Yes, but sunlight comes first. Place it on a bright windowsill and make sure the air does not stagnate.

Handy Growing Tools for Lithops dorotheae

Learn more about Lithops dorotheae in the encyclopedia

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