I'm interested in starting some Lithops and other Mesembs from seed (to try and find the "coolest" genetics of the batch) but I was wondering how fast these guys grow? I have read one website which says the first true Lithops "leaves" come out of the seedling leaves after 3-4 months and that the adult colors / patterns / textures are discernible then - they're just very small. Is that true in your experineces or must they have several seasons on them before they show striking differences?
Another thing I was thinking about is that they need a dry dormancy of at least 2 months with reduced light (8 hrs) to initiate new seasons leaves. What I was thinking was that this could be simulated by growing with artificial lights and then reup the lights over the course of a week or two back to 16 hrs and see if the new years growth will happen faster... Maybe I could have a chance of pulling 2 - 2 1/2 seasons a year. Anyone ever try this "short seasoning" on Lithops?
Another thing I was thinking about is that they need a dry dormancy of at least 2 months with reduced light (8 hrs) to initiate new seasons leaves. What I was thinking was that this could be simulated by growing with artificial lights and then reup the lights over the course of a week or two back to 16 hrs and see if the new years growth will happen faster... Maybe I could have a chance of pulling 2 - 2 1/2 seasons a year. Anyone ever try this "short seasoning" on Lithops?