captaincactuscakes
Rising Star
Im unable to post this in the cacti subforums, as I am too new. I hope this will be helpful to anyone looking to grow cacti. I don't like posting useless material to increase my post-count so Ill compile any substantial material here so that I may be accepted into the general forum. Thank you!
Hello everyone, I thought I'd put a few helpful observations I've made in the past few years on the very rewarding hobby of growing our little spiky friends from seed:
1: Don't put all your eggs in one basket. That is, if you are fortunate enough to come across a larger batch of especially difficult to acquire seeds (particularly any endangered species) start them in smaller batches, say five to ten seeds per container. This will help you isolate any variables that may lead to the death of your newborns and ensure an overall higher success rate with your new endeavor.
2: Make your own soil mix. A very good mix was posted by Spanishfly and although it may be difficult to find many of the items locally, they can be found online and are well worth the few dollars you spend vs buying a premix soil and risking contamination, root rot, or poor/excessive nutrients. Even if you are intending to graft, seedlings grown in soil seem to have a vigor that is missed with their sand grown counterparts. Think loose, airy, and alkaline.
3: Don't graft them all. Although slower growing, the joy of watching your soil grown plants mature is greater than a bloated lime green seedling (although their is a special appreciation for the fast track) These seedlings will survive through a lot of abuse and neglect and if your current projects fail they will remain.
4: Your cacti love the sun and if there is any opportunity for them to drink this is they will reward your with truer to natural growth patterns and healthier overall demeanor. Good CFL lighting, although adequate, is not a replacement for delicious sunshine.
5: Perioskopsis. You can never have enough. Make cuttings as often as possible and grow your mothers in soil. Unlike most of the species we grow, they prefer a nutritious soil blends (I use standard potting soil with lots of gravel) and lots of water. They cannot be overwatered so be generous! The test tube method annehalonium teaches is fantastic and your cuttin will transfer to their new water only environment easily if they have strong growth from their mother plant.
6: Monitor your grafts carefully. Be sure to keep your roots clean, nutrient levels in check, and don't hesitate to regraft if their is any issue with your Peres. After 6 months to a year, move them to a more permanent plant like a blue myrtle. Although it can not put out the amazing growth there Peres can, it will grow fast and steady.
7: Top cut your larger more mature grafts. This will induce pupping and exponentially increase your garden. The top will live on and the new babies will have a head start on your seedlings. This can be especially helpful if you are growing a rare or genetically superior specimen. Not all seedlings are created equal.
8: Share a few seeds with other growers. This is probably one of the most important things, in my mind. We are the caretakers of many plants that are struggling in the wild. We honor their importance by assisting others in doing what we have done; perpetuate important plants. I know I never would be where I'm at today without the generosity of others in our community.
I hope this helps new gardeners or those considering to grow with their understanding of these wonderful plants. It's well worth the research and homework and I can guarantee you won't be disappointed. Feel free to reach out with any questions or ideas. This board is filled with many knowledgable members who would love to assist you.
Hello everyone, I thought I'd put a few helpful observations I've made in the past few years on the very rewarding hobby of growing our little spiky friends from seed:
1: Don't put all your eggs in one basket. That is, if you are fortunate enough to come across a larger batch of especially difficult to acquire seeds (particularly any endangered species) start them in smaller batches, say five to ten seeds per container. This will help you isolate any variables that may lead to the death of your newborns and ensure an overall higher success rate with your new endeavor.
2: Make your own soil mix. A very good mix was posted by Spanishfly and although it may be difficult to find many of the items locally, they can be found online and are well worth the few dollars you spend vs buying a premix soil and risking contamination, root rot, or poor/excessive nutrients. Even if you are intending to graft, seedlings grown in soil seem to have a vigor that is missed with their sand grown counterparts. Think loose, airy, and alkaline.
3: Don't graft them all. Although slower growing, the joy of watching your soil grown plants mature is greater than a bloated lime green seedling (although their is a special appreciation for the fast track) These seedlings will survive through a lot of abuse and neglect and if your current projects fail they will remain.
4: Your cacti love the sun and if there is any opportunity for them to drink this is they will reward your with truer to natural growth patterns and healthier overall demeanor. Good CFL lighting, although adequate, is not a replacement for delicious sunshine.
5: Perioskopsis. You can never have enough. Make cuttings as often as possible and grow your mothers in soil. Unlike most of the species we grow, they prefer a nutritious soil blends (I use standard potting soil with lots of gravel) and lots of water. They cannot be overwatered so be generous! The test tube method annehalonium teaches is fantastic and your cuttin will transfer to their new water only environment easily if they have strong growth from their mother plant.
6: Monitor your grafts carefully. Be sure to keep your roots clean, nutrient levels in check, and don't hesitate to regraft if their is any issue with your Peres. After 6 months to a year, move them to a more permanent plant like a blue myrtle. Although it can not put out the amazing growth there Peres can, it will grow fast and steady.
7: Top cut your larger more mature grafts. This will induce pupping and exponentially increase your garden. The top will live on and the new babies will have a head start on your seedlings. This can be especially helpful if you are growing a rare or genetically superior specimen. Not all seedlings are created equal.
8: Share a few seeds with other growers. This is probably one of the most important things, in my mind. We are the caretakers of many plants that are struggling in the wild. We honor their importance by assisting others in doing what we have done; perpetuate important plants. I know I never would be where I'm at today without the generosity of others in our community.
I hope this helps new gardeners or those considering to grow with their understanding of these wonderful plants. It's well worth the research and homework and I can guarantee you won't be disappointed. Feel free to reach out with any questions or ideas. This board is filled with many knowledgable members who would love to assist you.
