Hi,

In regard to soil mixtures, many are viable for the plants you listed. All of them happen to fall under the family of Aizoaceae, which share many common characteristics and can be treated generally all in the same fashion.

I would agree that adding the rocks to the cactus soil will help with drainage, but remember to wash them before adding them into the mix. Depending on how many rocks you add, watering can vary. Obviously, the more that you add, the less you will need to water the plants. Most commercial cactus mixtures generally retain too much water and must be diluted with rocks / perlite before use.

Luckily, deep pots are great for all of the species. All of them have taproot systems, meaning that their root system is composed of one large, main root and smaller root and root hairs that branch off. The roots are almost always longer than the plant itself. One of my lithops specimens measures only an inch in height but its taproot extends down 5".

Watering for all of the species should be light throughout the spring and summer, only when you can see wrinkles. If flowers come up, you can water then too (which would happen in the autumn). You should let the soil dry out between waterings and then give a good soaking. This will keep the roots healthy. Never leave the soil wet for too long, since this can encourage rot. When water collects in the drip tray below the pot, dump it out so it is not reabsorbed into the container.

I myself only grow Lithops out of the species you listed but all come from the same family and I would assume that there care is really similar.

I am wondering about the size of the rocks you have. I see coin there for size, but can you spread them and put a measuring tape? They look on big side to me to be of benefit; mixing large particles with small ones defeats the purpose... - hope I am wrong.

I agree with Rina, the rocks look a wee bit too big.

Watering.... Hmmm... This is a pretty rough topic concerning mesembs. There are many growers with many ideas, which makes it hard to pick out the right ones.

However, this is really good reading on that topic, and many others (if you haven't seen it already). Guess what will kill your plants? A schedule. Try your best to water your plants when you feel they need it, and not a once-every-two-weeks sort of schedule.

Have fun with those plants! They are pretty cool.

That was a dime for size reference. I'll get a tape measure and a few of the rocks (it's labeled course sand actually)

So it's pretty much the same rules for watering as other succulents. I have a chart for growing and dormant seasons but I hope I can keep my new guys alive.

Question do they like a lot of light? example: more Sun the better, or more shade than sun?

Rina

I am thinking more for quicker drainage. But I have also never had these type plants before.

I am doing good with the plants I have so far. Jades, Panda plants, kalachoe, Blue Giant, and others. But while I am still learning, I am having decent luck with propagation. I have had at least 9 root and most of them have babies or babies on the way right now.

Can't wait for my new plants to come

I know that they can handle a lot of sun, but they will go dormant when the heat is oppressive.

I wouldn't say that watering is the same, but there are a lot of aspects that are similar. You have to be careful about watering especially during their dormancy period.

I only have Lithops (killed Tiger Jaws) that are still alive. I have them in mostly gritty mix and hardly water. Probably not the best since they didn't really grow much - but still alive:

That coarse sand looks better (smaller) in photo with measuring tape. Here is what I use (chicken grit):

Palms.

Defiantly doing as much reading as I can. AND still talking with seller. She sent them out today :-) I am so Happy! I should get them in a couple days. Ctnutmegger says they call under the family Aizoaceae so I am onto more research by individual names and above name. :-)

Have fun with it! They are definitely a more challenging family to grow, so don't be disappointed if some die on you.

Eewmayo

Thanks for the info. And thanks to everyone

I recieved the plants today and not all were able to get enough rocks but I will water more sparingly than I would with more rocks.

Plants were chilly when opened so I planted them in totally dry stuff. The roots were dry too. Wondering if I should water tonite because of dry roots or wait till tomorrow. I am guessing tonite

Always plant in dry stuff! =)

I like to wait a bit before watering (after a repot). At least two days. For mesembs, maybe a bit longer. At this time of year, I would water sparingly; not a total soak.

Palms.

Being a new type of succulent group that I am not familiar with and that the research I have done says to be careful about watering I am going to take it slow and water a little at a time. I'd rather have to water because of not enough water than have to try and save a sick plant I know little to nothing about. I will post pics later today of my new plants.

Thank you to everyone who has been sharing information about how to care for my new plants I appreciate it immensely!

Yes. A lot of people don't get that with mesembs, you should water semi frequently, but only in small amounts. In habitat, they take in water pretty much daily, but through dense fogs. That said, you are right in saying that underwatering is much easier to remedy than overwatering.

Like ewwmayo said a few posts up, you really have to look at the leaves for signs of when to water.

Can someone please tell me if it's the time of year for Split rocks to absorb their outer leaves ???

The inner leaves are firm but the two outer leaves are a bit soft. And not sure if the two things in the middle are from a flower or not

Jodie - Pleiospilos absorb their outer leaves in winter.

Eewmayo so does that mean yes? Or no to right now? Sorry to be a pain

Oh RI = Rhode Island? Then yes it's winter and time to absorb the outer leaves. The inner part is probably leftovers from a flower.

Thank you Eww. I know the Lithops leaves are almost gone and the smaller split stone is working on its leaves but they are A lot smaller. What threw me off on the large one is the inner and outer leaves are the same size and the outer leaves only started absorbing. They are just starting to get soft.