From my limited understanding of these plants, I believe that while they are growing a new leaf set, they should not be watered. The current leaves will have to be absorbed, and that is a lot of moisture for the plant to fully absorb.

Again, my understanding is limited, so I may be wrong.

I think grow lights are beneficial to most succulents, but I don't think they are completely necessary for lithops/argyroderma/etc., because they are so slowly growing. People rarely come onto this forum with etiolation problems from these kinds of plants.

What does the new growth look like, two leaves or a cluster of three/flower?

Grow lights are always good. =)

Hi,

Thanks for the responses, guys!

After doing a lot of reading, I now know that this argyroderma is growing a new pair of leaves and needs to draw its moisture from the old leaves, which is why it was wrinkled. I am worried that since I watered it, I may get rot due to the plant focusing on drawing water from the leaves.

The small growth inside seems to be stunted--I frankly cannot see any change in growth since I first made the post. All I can do is watch and wait.

Here is a pic of some of my desert plants, to justify bumping this older thread :)

-Catherine

Should be fine. Keep us posted how it comes along! Nice collection of Mesembs. =)

Hi all,

I have an update:

I have not watered since my original post nearly a month ago. But I've been watching the plant carefully and its leaves have continued to slowly shrivel, but the growth in the cleft has not changed at all. I have also been noticing that the plant felt loose in its substrate--well today I just lifted it right out of its mix and took pics of the roots.

Yes, I want this plant to live--it's one of my favorites. What do I do?? I bought it at a cactus society show from a reputable dealer and it has a very gritty, well-draining mix. I can't imagine what I did wrong, unless my hard water damaged the roots over the summer.

Do these roots look normal? Should I stick it back in the pot and leave it? Or is there a problem here?

Thanks!

-Catherine

That's good to know ewwmayo. I stuck it back in its pot, but set it a little deeper so it would be more stable.

I'm not sure if it's good or bad that I pull plants out of their dirt so readily--my experience with root rot tells me it couldn't hurt to have a look just in case ;)

Eh, for some succulents I have no fear unpotting and checking the roots, but most Mesembs have very fine fragile roots so I try not to disturb them much.

The only thing that can really rot for Mesembs is the main stem or tuber, as the roots just die off and regrow on their own.

I had a lot of trouble with killing Titanopsis by trying to repot them when dormant/semi-dormant, so I am much more cautious now.

The healthier and more actively growing a plant, the more resilient they are to damage.

With something like Haworthia, they have much fatter and fleshier roots, which can be at risk to rot at times. Then I am less hesitant to check as rot will kill them quickly.