How I Rejuvenate Lithops (“Living Stone”) with Root Pruning: Tools, Tips & Joy
If you’ve ever been lured into the colourful world of Lithops, lovingly known as “Living stone,” you’re not alone. I was first captivated by their rainbow-like mixed trays—perfectly mismatched, irresistibly cute. But if you’ve tried growing them together, you probably already know: these little guys are beautiful and high maintenance.
Especially when potted together in a mixed arrangement, Lithops tend to grow unevenly. Some get taller, some wider, and when they hit their shedding season, it can become a cramped, squishy mess. I found that when things get too crowded or disorderly, it’s time to pull them out, trim their roots, and give them a fresh start.
Let me walk you through how I do it—and why it's oddly satisfying.
✂️ Tools I Use
A clean pair of scissors
Tweezers for detail work
A small tray (mine’s just an old candy box)
A Rubbish bin
A vacuum cleaner (seriously, this changes the game—no need for messy newspapers on the floor)
🪴 The Process (with Photos for Reference)
My original pot—overcrowded, some Lithops unable to shed properly.
Step 1: Carefully uproot each plant and remove the old fibrous roots.
Step 2: After trimming, ned to expose the white core of the taproot—the growth point.
Step 3: Mix old soil with fresh substrate (no top dressing yet).
Step 4 : Repotted, watered, and looking neat.
🧪 Aftercare & Soil Refreshing Tips
Once trimmed, leave the roots to dry in a well-ventilated space for about 24 hours. Longer is fine too—just repot when you’re free. These little guys are tougher than they look, and their resilience always amazes me.
As for the soil? Don’t toss the whole batch! Sift through it, remove any dead root bits, dried Lithops remains, and break up clumps. Then add a bit of new soil (I use a mix designed specifically for Lithops and reuse it. Saves money and waste.
🧘♀️ Don’t Overthink It: Simple Is Best
I know a lot of sellers post videos with super-specific do’s and don’ts, but in my experience, simplicity wins. The more delicate you try to be, the easier it is to mess things up. Be bold, be a little rough—it works. Especially now that many Lithops are affordable, you can practice freely without pressure.
And about trimming too short? No worries. I’ve always pruned them this way, and my results speak for themselves. Once repotted, they grow powerful root systems (the kind that bring out huge chunks of soil when you pull them up—total plant parent joy!).
Some weaklings won’t make it. That’s okay. It's just nature doing its thing—survival of the fittest.
🌿 In the End… It’s Kind of Meditative
There's something truly therapeutic about the whole process. Sorting, pruning, cleaning, and seeing them stand proud again—it brings peace and satisfaction. If you haven’t tried it yet, why not give it a go?
Your little Lithops will thank you 💚