Hi you guys,
this is my first time growing cacti from seeds with success. I got a bunch of Astrophytum capricorne ten days ago, but I don't know when and if I have to slightly fertilize them. Since the climate where I live is already cold, I keep them in my apartment, at almost 24°C and exposed to light. I use calcareous water. So far, they're good.
Bests!
Francesca
When do I have to fertilize new born cacti?
Re: When do I have to fertilize new born cacti?
You probably don't need to fertiliser for many months, but it depends on your soil. Typical soils will contain plenty of fertiliser for a tiny cactus seedling, but a little very dilute fertiliser in the water may be helpful. Ig you are growing them enclosed there will be little or no need to water until you open them up. If they're in the open air you'll need to water regularly for the first few months and you can use a very dilute liquid feed.
Try to use soft water. Astrophytum are somewhat tolerant of limestone and it isn't going to do a lot of harm in the short term, but they'll grow better with rainwater or distilled water.
Small cactus seedlings don't like direct sunlight. Even in winter, I suspect you'll want to give them filtered sun. Even by next summer they'll need shading. Maybe full sun after one year old. Just watch the colour. You want tiny ones to be green, maybe slightly coloured, but not too red or pink.
Try to use soft water. Astrophytum are somewhat tolerant of limestone and it isn't going to do a lot of harm in the short term, but they'll grow better with rainwater or distilled water.
Small cactus seedlings don't like direct sunlight. Even in winter, I suspect you'll want to give them filtered sun. Even by next summer they'll need shading. Maybe full sun after one year old. Just watch the colour. You want tiny ones to be green, maybe slightly coloured, but not too red or pink.
--ian
Re: When do I have to fertilize new born cacti?
Hi Iann,
Thanks for answering. I grow them in a small plastic pot, kept on the windowsill and shaded with a piece of plastic net. I used 100% fine gravel picked from the river, that's why I thought they'll had nothing more to 'eat' after 10-15 days. I'll follow your advice for the water and all the rest.
Bests,
Francesca
Thanks for answering. I grow them in a small plastic pot, kept on the windowsill and shaded with a piece of plastic net. I used 100% fine gravel picked from the river, that's why I thought they'll had nothing more to 'eat' after 10-15 days. I'll follow your advice for the water and all the rest.
Bests,
Francesca
Re: When do I have to fertilize new born cacti?
If they're in only gravel then you should use a very dilute fertiliser every time you water. You might need some specialist help as they get older to get the feeding just right.
--ian
Re: When do I have to fertilize new born cacti?
Fine, thanks. I hope I can repot them next year. Last time I tried with a mix of gravel and soil it didn't go well... That's why just gravel...
Bests!
Bests!