Hi everyone,
I was just looking through a park seed catalog and they were selling something called a bio-dome to start seeds in. Would that work for av leaves? Does anyone use them? Would you recommend it?
Thanks,
Sue
Bio-domes?
for av leaves or step leaves, etc. I use the perma-nest trays with the tops on (Park Seed sells the tops separately from the perma-nest trays which last forever....remove them or put them crooked on the top under lights usually (so some air can get in) Once I feel roots have started to form I take the top off for good
I use the Bio Domes for larger and taller starts like Episcias, miniature begonias, etc.....I close the tops at night after I turn the lights off, but leave the openers on the top of the Bio Domes open during the light hours...
just started these yesterday.....probably won't leave them with the top on more than 2 or 3 weeks.....
then the leaves go in little dime store plastic trays ....about 5 or 6 solo cups fit in each one....even when the babies start coming up, they stay in these until ready to be potted up....
my friend from houston is almost here....check back later
gail
Hi Sue,
Domes are great for leaves, especially in the winter, especially up north. They are better - imho - than baggies because you have a large air space and things are less likely to rot. As Gail says, there are quite a few options, so consider what will work best for you.
I use domes for longer term propagation and growing (begonias are in there), but prefer to use clear plastic lidded tubs - like this http://www.containerstore.com/browse/Product.jhtml?CATID=71227&PRODID=10018851 for leaves and cuttings whenever possible - they are more durable than the plastic domes. Of course, I'm a big fan of propagating with no ventilation, and not everyone likes to do it this way.
I get so tired of buying the plastic small ones at the grocery store (like Glad, etc) and I never ever thought about the long term ones and the container store...........thanks Ki......why shouldn't the container store have some..............they have everything else. My friend came in from Houston today and brought me (of all things) black stands for the front porch from The Container store.....
I keep my ceiling fans going both in winter and summer in every room with a gro-light stand as the plants still need some air circulation down here .....
gail
Ki, you are absolutely right!!! I just went in to check brand new cuttings with the domes open and the lights shining bright...(they were just stuck yesterday and Thursday) .they were wilting which means they needed higher humidity......I am going to get some of those from the container store. I can still use my bio domes................just for when they are further along!!!
so glad I saw your answer.....
There are three tricks to starting seeds or cuttings or leaves in totally sealed containers.
1. get the moisture level of the mix right - not too wet!
2. sterilize the potting mix and the water
3. avoid big temp fluctuations (this causes water to evaporate and condense - and the seeds dry out in the process)
It's easiest in a home under lights. If you do your propagating in a window sill, then #3 will be difficult and you'll pretty much need ventilation for sure.
The boxes I use are cloudy - not totally clear - so they act as a bit of shade cloth - just the right amount of light reduction for leaves.
I was using those opaque boxes (one for the bottom and one for the top)......I may go back to that method because, just as you said, the opaque acts as a shade cloth......I use straight perlite for leaves but not for anything else......I am going to get some of those boxes from The Container Store.
