And lastly, this is actually on my Healthier vine. >> I think I wasn't watering them enough when it started warming up and only really started watering them every two days about a month ago so this could be an older leaf from that. But just putting this here in case it can help>

My kids lost their dad when he was 48 yrs old. Went to work & died. It was sudden & 15 yr old daughter didn't react for awhile tho all 3 of us, my 17 yr old son spent the night holding on to each other in master bedroom . They were OK to sleep in their rooms after that but I told them to come back if it was a bad night. I think you are getting to age of driving, proms, boys, college or work & that means you are growing up without dad & that is scaring you. My son once said, who is going to teach me to be a man(lucky for him my dad & brother were there for him) but if you think about it you are wanting to tell your dad about these things in your life, good things & bad things but you can't & that really hurts. But you could keep a journal & write about growing up, wish you could have seen me today dad, you would have been so proud,etc. I got an A on my term paper, you would have said____ Just talk to him on paper & I think you might feel closer. I moved to Ca. when I was 20 lived at aunts but so lonely for my family & especially dad, I was only girl, 4 bros. calling him we'd both cry & it was expensive so I poured my heart out in letters to him. I was so lucky as I had my folks out here until mom died last yr & dad shortly before at nearly 96 yrs old. But I never had much in way of grandparents so I had a void when younger. So get your feelings down, notice how they change as time goes on, things will seem a little better, you will go with some kids & have a good time when you didn't think you would, you have so many new & exciting things ahead of you. Grab on to life & do the living for both of you. I've had to do that for my kids as a mom I couldn't just let them flounder. I tried to be happy when I wasn't but finally as time passed the memories were sweeter than the pain. We had a great marriage & wonderful years together. You have a wonderful life ahead if you remember that your dad would not want you to be sad & miserable. Shortly before my dad died he held my hands & said, look at me, I did & he said, I have to tell you something, I want you to miss me when I'm gone, but I don't want you to mourn me. Do you understand! I said I did but as time when on I often hear those words, Miss me, don't mourn me. That means remember me, don't forget who I as but don't grieve & fret & be miserable. Such a difference, miss your dad!! Come here if you need friends or advise. Is your mom doing OK? Can you talk to her? It does get better 4 yrs is not that long. Keep busy, have fun, be a kid & you will make your dad proud.

Thanks! I only started growing succulents this Spring, and got into mesembs in July :P Can't really tell you how long it would take, since mine hasn't gone through regeneration yet, but I think usually it would take the whole winter to do so, so perhaps 3-4 months? Keep an eye on the mushy parts, if it is getting infested with bugs you have to act quick. I've only dealt with mealy bugs and usually using 50/50 rubbing alcohol X water spray to wipe it off or spray the plant would do. I would wait for others to chime in on this, I don't know perhaps you could just remove the mushy part of the plant already so it doesn't spread... Yeah I also have a split rock (pics to follow) the Royal Flush, when I got it I was adviced here not to pot them with Lithops since their watering regime is quite different. The Pleiospilos could get water any time of the year, while Lithops is usually kept dry in winter. However, you're on the right track about no watering when it is regenerating. Make sure they only have 2 pairs of leaves at maximum, and I would water only when it becomes quite soft to the touch as well, if it's hard and turgid then it is not in need of water. This when I first potted it in late June: Flowered in August: Now regenerating slow and steady (Oct-Dec): Through these pics you can sort of see how "fast" the old leaves finally shriveled away to nothingness. And below was my watering regime for it: July-August, normal watering of once every 10-14 days since it was getting ready for flower. September-October, watering every 14-20 days since flower died off and plant is not doing much November-December, ZERO watering so far since I saw the new little leaves saying hello, and it is looking happy so far.

Bouldergrower - Always enjoy seeing updates on your community pot. Looks like your Lithops seedlings are making some good progress too. That old Lithops... I suppose stasis is better than death? Dave - Has your nelii softened at all at least? Mine is around 2/3 it's original height and much softer now. The center leaves are quite firm. Mara - That's exactly what I'm thinking. Once dormant, absorbing leaves is an exceedingly painful process. Did you throw a towel on or throw in the towel? Kidding! =) Nomen - The first and second pairs of my Lapidaria were starting to get wrinkly, so a light watering put them at how they look in the photo now. I like your suggestion of watering/misting just enough to see if it's new growth or a flower. This one already flowered for me in the fall, so if it's new growth I won't really be disappointed. Under lights, growing these is much more forgiving. Watering is never really worrisome, just the wrong choice (over or under watering) can take a little time to correct. This winter is really wacky! Last week was extremely cold but today I had all the windows open for some fresh air (13C / 55F). Definitely mild overall - 5b.