!Propagator questions
Propagator questions
I'm sowing a lot of seed this year, so I'm considering a propagator. I've run out of seed growing space (my windowsill is full!), it's starting to get cold and wintery here and I don't think I'll get very good growth. I need advice about what kind of lights, what the ideal temperature is, how long to put the timer on for etc. I have a few plans about what kind of setup I am going to use, but any input is good !
!Buying a cactus a day will keep the madness away.
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cactushobbyman
- Posts: 1437
- Joined: Sun Sep 11, 2011 8:01 pm
- Location: Sanger, California
Re: Propagator questions
There are many seed propagators online. In your area do a google search and I'm sure you will find something to fit your needs. Hydroponics stores carry propagators too. Time, temp and lights can be found on CactiGuide. I keep my propagator bed at 85 degrees and at night around 56 degrees during the winter. Lights is mother nature since my setup is in my greenhouse. I use a thermostat control and a timer. Set it and for get it.
Re: Propagator questions
Thanks! I don't think there are any hydroponics stores near me, What kind of lights would you recommend?
and where would be the best place to get them?
and where would be the best place to get them?
Buying a cactus a day will keep the madness away.
Re: Propagator questions
For lighting see:-
http://cactiguide.com/article/?article=article17.php" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
How long the lights are on each day depends on the plants you are raising, but all require a certain dark period:-
"Since flowering on many tropical cacti (shade loving cacti) is begun in direct response to the length of day, plants grown under artificial light should have the daylength reduced in winter so that they are in darkness for more than 12 hours each day. Without these shortened days, such plants will not flower. "
http://www.cactusinfo.net/artificial_light.htm" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
"Duration
Cactus come from the equatorial regions where the daylength is usually about 12 to 14 hours of light with 12 to 10 hours of dark. A simple household lamp timer can be very beneficial in keeping a regular day to night light cycle and helps keep growth even and symmetrical. For cacti that are being grown for flowers, many species require short days to initiate flower buds. The day length required varies with the species being grown."
http://www.gardenguides.com/90265-plant ... actus.html" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
http://cactiguide.com/article/?article=article17.php" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
How long the lights are on each day depends on the plants you are raising, but all require a certain dark period:-
"Since flowering on many tropical cacti (shade loving cacti) is begun in direct response to the length of day, plants grown under artificial light should have the daylength reduced in winter so that they are in darkness for more than 12 hours each day. Without these shortened days, such plants will not flower. "
http://www.cactusinfo.net/artificial_light.htm" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
"Duration
Cactus come from the equatorial regions where the daylength is usually about 12 to 14 hours of light with 12 to 10 hours of dark. A simple household lamp timer can be very beneficial in keeping a regular day to night light cycle and helps keep growth even and symmetrical. For cacti that are being grown for flowers, many species require short days to initiate flower buds. The day length required varies with the species being grown."
http://www.gardenguides.com/90265-plant ... actus.html" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;