Lithops salicola

Lithops salicola key facts

Growing Difficulty

Beginner-friendly

Lifespan

Perennial; clumps take decades to reach full size

Size

Heads 17-35 mm tall, 11-26 mm wide; clumps can reach 25 cm across

Temperature

8〜25℃

Watering

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

Light & Placement

Keep it sunny and sheltered from rain all year. In midsummer avoid heat and humidity by giving airflow and shade so it can rest cool.

Watering

It is a winter grower. From September to November water thoroughly when the soil dries, and in winter water on warm days. In the summer rest just mist two or three times a month. It is relatively tolerant of overwatering for a Lithops.

Temperature & Overwintering

Kept dry it is relatively tolerant of winter cold. 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 division; self-sown seedlings often appear in the parent's pot. Divide 'Bacchus' to be sure of keeping its colour.

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 salicola

Lithops salicola (Rifujin) is a tall, clumping Lithops with olive-to-dark-green windows and white autumn flowers. Beginner tips on watering, molting and plant selection.

7 things to know before growing Lithops salicola

1. 1A Bright, Airy Spot

   Rifujin loves sun. Outdoors, choose a bright spot sheltered from rain; indoors, a sunny window sill works well. With too little light the head stretches and loses its naturally tall, upright form, so keep air moving around it as well.

2. 2Water Sparingly

   During the growing season, water thoroughly only after the soil has dried out completely, then wait until it dries again. Frequent watering invites root rot and split heads. When in doubt, hold off.

3. 3The Yearly Cycle

   Rifujin grows and flowers in autumn, then gradually needs less water. Winter to spring is the molting period, when a new head emerges from inside the old leaves, and summer is a slow stretch during the heat. Keep it airy and give little water in summer.

4. 4Dry Out While Molting

   While molting, the new head draws nutrients from the old leaves, and watering puts extra strain on the plant. Hold off until the old leaves have shrunk into thin, papery skins. Return to normal watering once they are fully dry.

5. 5Fast-Draining Soil and a Fairly Deep Pot

   It grows a long taproot, so plant it in a pot with some depth. Use a cactus and succulent mix and add pumice or similar grit to improve drainage.

6. 6Repotting and Clumping

   Rifujin divides readily, so once a clump fills its pot, move it to a slightly larger one. Early autumn, when growth resumes, or after molting has finished is a good time; avoid repotting mid-molt or in high summer. After repotting, wait a few days before watering.

7. 7Choosing a Healthy Plant

   Look for a smooth, firm window face with no wrinkles, dark patches or soft spots. Although this is a taller Lithops, an extremely thin, stretched plant may have grown in too little light. For a clump, check that each head is free of damage.

Frequently asked questions about Lithops salicola

Q.Can a beginner grow Rifujin?

A.Yes, it is rated as beginner-friendly. Lithops are easily harmed by overwatering, though, so water only after the soil has dried and hold back during molting.

Q.When does it flower?

A.It produces white flowers in autumn. To enjoy blooms, give it plenty of sun so the plant stays strong and well filled out.

Q.How often should I water it?

A.Rather than following a fixed schedule, water when the soil has dried out completely. In the autumn growing season, water thoroughly once it is dry, and go easy during molting and in summer.

Q.How big does it get?

A.A single head is about 17–35 mm tall and 11–26 mm wide. As it divides and clumps over several decades, the whole plant can reach 25 cm across.

Q.What is Murasaki Rifujin?

A.Murasaki Rifujin is known as a purple selection of Rifujin. Before buying, check the photos and description on the listing page to confirm the coloring.

Handy Growing Tools for Lithops salicola

Learn more about Lithops salicola in the encyclopedia

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