Hi all,
I've been growing seedlings since over a year, but lately I've had quite few deaths in the family. I'm wondering what I'm doing wrong. They have all been planted in small pots as shown in the picture. I let them soak overnight so that earth is moist for at least a week. The cacti are held in a bright spot, but not in direct sunlight. Is this a good method, what should change to avoid more deaths?
Many thanks,
Bart
Help growing seedlings
Help growing seedlings
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- greenknight
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- Location: SW Washington State zone 8b
Re: Help growing seedlings
Don't soak them overnight. That planting mix doesn't look good - what is that stuff?
Spence
Re: Help growing seedlings
It's a commercially available mixture of primarily turf with some grains of lava. Should be suited for succulents and cacti (I hope).
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Re: Help growing seedlings
It doesn't look good - and it doesn't sound good, based on your description. Much more grit, perlite, pumice or other coarse grained non-organic would be a big improvement.
Whilst your Hylocereus (or whatever) can cope relatively well with a lot of organic matter, I'm sure they would prefer a more open mix. "Desert" cacti will definitely be happier with a less organic compost. Many commercial cactus composts are rubbish!
Whilst your Hylocereus (or whatever) can cope relatively well with a lot of organic matter, I'm sure they would prefer a more open mix. "Desert" cacti will definitely be happier with a less organic compost. Many commercial cactus composts are rubbish!
- greenknight
- Posts: 4819
- Joined: Tue Apr 30, 2013 4:18 am
- Location: SW Washington State zone 8b
Re: Help growing seedlings
Alright. Thank you for the advise. I guess this applies as well to germination?
- greenknight
- Posts: 4819
- Joined: Tue Apr 30, 2013 4:18 am
- Location: SW Washington State zone 8b
Re: Help growing seedlings
Correct. The only difference is that very young seedlings need to be kept constantly damp (not too wet) and at high humidity for best growth. Older seedlings tolerate more dryness.
Spence