i've planted peruvianus matucaria and all the seeds propagated. Now, I don't know what to do with them or how to take care of them. They're in very shallow cacti soil, which dries out very quickly. I don't want them to rot, but because the soil dries out so quickly, I spritz the soil daily. They are under a grow light at least 12 hours a day. Some of them are now a purplish color. Is this a sign of rot, or normal. Any info on how to raise these babies will be appreciated. I thinned out all but 10.
cacti seedlings (peruvian torch cactus)
I suggest you also ask your questions in the cacti and succulent discussion, I sure someone there will be able to help you. :)
I am not familiar with this cacti but the coloration is common this time of year. Cacti & succulents are known to take on a reddish or purplish hue in winter. Water needs are minimal in winter. I should think misting from above would not be a good thing to keep the stems damp. Bottom water by setting the pot in a shallow tray with a small amount of moisture. That will make the roots reach deeper. Error on the side of dry with these plants.
I see you are not a subscriber so can't post on the C&S forum. I will copy your request and link to this thread to see if we can get you more knowledgeable assistance. Please keep watching here... pod
from cactus_lover
Quoting:
Some starting things are,
Weather,
Soil,
Watering,
Fungicide,
Fresh seeds.
According to my axperiance that germinate cacti seeds in starting Month of March without airtight plstic trys and placed them in direct Sunlight and water daily or tow times daily,after one week the seeds are sprout.
If the seeds can grow in winter then green house is needed with airtight plastic trys,watering after dry.
Soil is also drainege,we can use sharp sand with burned rice husk.
Spread the seed and cover with thin layer of the soil,and water them with fungicide.
Old seeds are hard to germinate,some species's seeds can be stored.
Im using this method and gain 90% result.
Yasir
from germinater
Quoting:
I started some Giant Saguaro sometime in June and they are about 1/2'' tall and somewhat purple.
They are in a mixture of 50% perlite and 50% coir fiber. This mix drains very well and loses water through evaporation even faster.
It's obviously ok to let most cacti sit DRY for short periods.
I used about a 40% perlite 60% peat mix for my Aloe Dichotoma and
that is working fine so far. I figured it would probably want something like a cactus.
Good luck.
Let us know how your seedlings turn out.
Those two DGrs are far more experienced than I am ~ I do hope that will help and will post any other responses received. Good luck and Merry Christmas.... pod
I have since transplanted the babies into an paper egg carton and quit misting. The egg carton allows the water from the bottom to soak up slowly. They are no longer purple, but beautiful green and have grown tremendously. Thanks for all the information.
All right! Glad to hear you have found the solution. Please keep us posted, I will be curious to know how they progress. A cardboard egg carton is a great idea.
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