First attempt at seed sowing (Euphorbia)

[kak tus]

So this is my first attempt at sowing any sort of seeds and it's a Euphorbia sp. Figured it will be a good test of my patience. I'll be sowing just five seeds (too little?) first, another five kept in the fridge to be sown after first five yields results.

Day 0

-Using 50:50 organic:inorganic soil mix.
-Bag method
-Seed viability water test only shows three seeds that have any chance of success (bummer)

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Spot the seeds!

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[kak tus]

Day 7
-Two are showing fuzzy white stuff around it so I assume they are germinating (yay!) and not mold after checking another topic posted by another forum member.
-Currently they are placed beside a north-facing window which may not be the best location, I know, but it's making the most of an apartment.
-I've decided to turn on the lights at night since it seems to speed up the germination
-So far the two that are germinating are consistent with the seeds that passed the water test.

Photo of the fuzziest one near the top

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[RiseMoon]

I can't see clearly, but good luck in your sow!!

[kak tus]

I can't see clearly, but good luck in your sow!!

Thanks but it turns out that the fuzzy white hair that I suspected were spines/roots were actually fungi/mold. I suspect poor ventilation as the main culprit. From what I read in the forum, soaking the seedlings in hydrogen peroxide solution may reduce the chances of fungi. I will reattempt with the last five seeds once I'm over the disappointment.

[teo]

It's (nearly) always a problem with mold/fungi/algae when you have a closed environment and high organic content in the soil. it helps some to sterilize the soil (by heating it) before sowing but it doesn't always help (in my experience).

[kristian_Fossmo]

Skip the closing in bit and put the pot on a plate or something and water from below by letting them stand in a couple of millimeters of water if you are not able to spray them daily. The capillary forces will aid in sufficient surface dampness to allow germination (if the pot isn´t very high) plus you reduce the fungiproblems. Fungi love stagnant air and humid envioments.

[kak tus]

Skip the closing in bit and put the pot on a plate or something and water from below by letting them stand in a couple of millimeters of water if you are not able to spray them daily. The capillary forces will aid in sufficient surface dampness to allow germination (if the pot isn´t very high) plus you reduce the fungiproblems. Fungi love stagnant air and humid envioments.

Thanks for the suggestion. In fact I remember considering that option before using the paper bag method. I think I'll opt for that method for the next attempt.