Lithops can be safely transplanted any time really. I have 100's and I have never noticed any harm even though I have re-potted many times throughout the year. I would say mid-summer when nights are very warm would be the least favorable choice. Most Lithops are inactive at this time and if you wind up damaging roots, recover will be slower. An extended cold period may also be a less than ideal time. In reality, as long as you transplant with care and leave the plants cool, dry and shaded for a few weeks before you gradually acclimate them, you should not have any problems no matter when you transplant. Perhaps seedlings need more pampering, but adult plants can easily withstand some abuse. x

Hey Blue! Those are beauties! It's actually the perfect time for transplanting Lithops. We're just entering their active season and they haven't flowered yet. Here's the thing... if you're new to them, you might want to wait until next year for a few reasons. First, the small pots dry out very quickly which decreases your chance of over-watering. Second, they only like to be re-potted about once every 5 years so it's a commitment and there's an adjustment period. Microthrix's advice is good. Once the leaves are absorbed it will be smaller. Most of mine never return to the plumpness attained by growers (working on that). Since they're both absorbing, every other day you can mist them as if you're trying to remove dust. As summer gets hotter, if you see them wrinkling, a little extra water is ok. Once the leaves are absorbed you can feel a little safer about your misting. When I only had 2 Lithops, I wasn't brave enough to try this but when you re-pot, you should wash all soil away and remove/pinch the fine hairlike roots down to the taproot. Most of these roots will be damaged in transplanting and can rot and infect/kill the plant. There will be an adjustment period but your plants will be happy when they re-establish themselves. Also, you need to know your soil before you do this so maybe next Spring.

What is a cactus bowl? I hope it isn't one of those ceramic bowls without a hole in the bottom. If that is a cactus bowl, please refrain from thinking of that as an abode for any succulent. To prevent eventual drowning of a cactus in them, you have to calculate the transpiration rate of the plant, consider the season, subtract the amount of water you lose to the air (a wet/dry thermometer will help) and predict the weather for the next week. If you mean by cactus bowl, one of those shallow decorative ceramic bowls with a hole in the bottom, then you can indeed grow Lithops. They are only fit for a couple of small cacti for a year or so, but for Lithops for years. Make sure the soil is mineral and well draining. If you buy your plants from a big box store, they will likely be potted in some kind of peat. This will eventually kill your plant. Get it off by soaking the plant in water, and then gently shaking it while the roots are immersed. You don't have to get every mote of "soil" off the roots, but 75% is easy to achieve. Then gently plant them in your pot. Do not water them in. Let it dry thoroughly for a couple of weeks. Then if you notice shrinking of the plant, give it a good soaking. The best way to insure success is to learn the name of the plant. If you buy a winter grower, this is a good time to repot. If you get a spring or summer grower, it might not change for several months. As long as it isn't rotting, it can be saved. I have found that the first month is critical with small Mesembryanthemuns (Mesembs). Lithops are Mesembs. You are taking a plant from an environment that is more alien to them than the surface of Mars. Then you are replacing the soil, changing the temps and lighting (it is hoped for the better), all this to an organism the size of your thumbnail. That is why you should let them settle in for a while before expecting change for the better. If you keep them sunny and warm, you can hope for success.

Yes, thank you Harry, they are fine. Can you go and get my message thanking you, here? Or would you write again to my email and I will reply. I cannot read the address on your box properly. I am sending the haemanthus but there are some other plants you might like. Do you know how to get your messages here? Just like last time. I don't want your package to go astray. Thanks indeed.