Help growing seedlings

Use this forum to get advice on growing succulents and keeping them healthy
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bvdg
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Joined: Sun Apr 24, 2016 7:31 pm

Help growing seedlings

Post by bvdg »

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
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greenknight
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Location: SW Washington State zone 8b

Re: Help growing seedlings

Post by greenknight »

Don't soak them overnight. That planting mix doesn't look good - what is that stuff?
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bvdg
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Joined: Sun Apr 24, 2016 7:31 pm

Re: Help growing seedlings

Post by bvdg »

It's a commercially available mixture of primarily turf with some grains of lava. Should be suited for succulents and cacti (I hope).
esp_imaging
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Re: Help growing seedlings

Post by esp_imaging »

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!
A small diverse collection of Cacti & Succulents
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http://www.edwardshaw.co.uk/cacti
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greenknight
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Re: Help growing seedlings

Post by greenknight »

Agreed.
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bvdg
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Re: Help growing seedlings

Post by bvdg »

Alright. Thank you for the advise. I guess this applies as well to germination?
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greenknight
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Re: Help growing seedlings

Post by greenknight »

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.
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