Why are my lithops shriveled, wrinkled or soft?

First, let's make sure you're taking good care of your lithops, Are your lithops placed in direct sunlight?

Did you water your lithops recently?

Is it currently summer where you live?

Is it currently winter where you live?

Is it currently spring where you live?

Like most succulents, lithops can seriously suffer from sunburn. They need lots of sunlight, but the lighting should be indirect.

Summer is a period of dormancy for lithops, so you shouldn't water them during this period. It is normal for lithops to become a little wrinkled during the summer. If they have become very wrinkled or shriveled water them with just a small amount of distilled water.

During this season, the new pair of leaves are drawing water from the old ones. They will appear to shrivel over time, and the new pair will steadily grow.

Although lithops plants can survive for a long time without water, lack of moisture can lead them to become shriveled, wrinkled or soft. This eventually will kill them. Some shriveling is normal, but it is usually a sign that the lithops need moisture. Water lithops regularly (every 14 or so days) during spring and autumn.

You shouldn't water lithops during summer. This is the period of dormancy for lithops and since they expect dry conditions, any amount of water can kill them. Watering will cause them to become mushy and rot. Make an exception only if they become very wrinkled and dehydrated - then you can water a very small amount of water.

You shouldn't water lithops during winter. During this season, the new pair of leaves are drawing water from the old ones. They will appear to shrivel over time, and the new pair will steadily grow. If your water, the old leaves will try to drink it, which ultimately confuses the plant’s growth and will cause both sets of leaves to die.

In spring old leaves will have shriveled up into paper-like husks, which is normal. You can just remove them and continue watering the plants. Some Lithops require watering only 3 or 4 times a year, but most species need water every couple of weeks during their growing seasons (spring and autumn).

During autumn, lithops need regular watering. It is normal for them to be a little shriveled at the start of the growing season. Some Lithops require watering only 3 or 4 times a year, but most species need water every couple of weeks during their growing seasons (spring and autumn).