Hi
I have some cacti I am trying to grow, and I was wondering what the best way was to germinate them. I have miniature button cactus and cat's claw cactus.
Also, I was wondering if anyone knows the name of the plant in the picture. I think I was told what it was at one point, but I can't remember what it was.
Thanks!
Though I've never seen this form before, I believe the plant is a Norfolk Pine. Some call it Norfolk Island Pine.
This message was edited Apr 6, 2008 1:06 AM
Sorry, I forgot you wanted info. on germinating cactus seeds. You need a good draining mix (half sand or perlite and half soil). Fill a shallow dish or pan with this starting mix (dampened) and press cactus seeds onto the surface. They shouldn't be pressed in too far - you need only to have seeds make contact with the soil. Mist surface to help seeds make contact. Cover with plastic (tented) or a piece of glass and put the dish or tray in a warm, bright spot. Mist with water only if top of soil feels dry to the touch. Seedlings should appear in 2-3 weeks. When they reach a potable size, take a spoon and "pluck" them out and repot in cactus soil. Water sparingly and don't feed until they reach mature size.
Chris
Thanks! I was looking at pictures of the pine in the PlantFiles, and it doesn't look like the same type of tree. I will take a picture of the needles and upload it later today.
Here is a closeup of the needles. Hope it helps a bit.
I still think it's Norfolk Pine. I agree the Plant Files pictures is completely different (I guess it could be the same plant grown outside for years), but if you check out the name "araucaria heterophylla" on the internet, I think you'll see the resemblance. Yours is more weepy than most, but if I recall, that could be caused by excess nitrogen in the soil. You have me curious about this plant though. When I get home tonight I will try looking up other possibilities. In the meantime, someone may be able to ID it and save us the time!
Chris
This message was edited Apr 6, 2008 5:00 PM
That looks very much like it! I googled it and found this picture:
http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Image:Araucaria_heterophylla_10_by_Line1.JPG
which is exactly like a larger tree of this type I have seen at my mom's workplace. Interesting...
Hi - It's me again! After re-reading your original question, it occured to me that you asked how to germinate cactus (as though from seed), but I was wondering if you meant propagate instead. If so, my reply is completely off the mark.
Back to the mystery plant...do you think it might be araucaria heterophylla (Norfolk Pine) or should we continue to search for the answer? Talk with you soon.
Chris
This message was edited Apr 7, 2008 12:51 AM
Nope. I am definitely attempting to grow them from seed. I found this website:
http://forums.gardenweb.com/forums/load/cacti/msg02125813349.html
which was pretty helpful in telling me how to germinate a miniature button cactus seed, but I am not entirely sure whether the same process is applicable for the cat's claw (glandulicactus mathssonii).
I am still looking up information on the mystery plant. I sent a message to the person from whom I received it to see if they can tell me what it is. I will update as I find out!
I won't leave the computer until you get back with me!
Drum roll please...
drrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr
The name of the mystery plant is:
Norfolk Pine!
=D
D- Thank goodness! I can leave the computer now. Good thing I didn't hold my breath! Actually, I'm kinda sorry it has come to an end. I enjoy the search as much as the discovery.
Yep, that's definately a norfolk pine....I used to have one. They need at least 4 hours of direct sun a day(which is why I gave mine away, I don't get direct sun in my house...ever!). In the summer time I took it out and put it in full sun and it did very well. Perhaps it needs more sun and that's why its a little droopy? Mine was always kinda droopy no matter what, so maybe that's just how they grow. I had gotten a book on houseplants which is where I got that it needs 4 hours of direct sun a year. It also said that from March-September to feed it monthly, from October to February don't feed it at all...keep it lightly moist, a bit drier in winter and to spray it twice a year with micronutrients. Hope this helps a little! Oh, and good luck with the cacti, sounds like fun!
Thanks for your help growgirl59!
I will definitely move my plant into the sun! I have a lovely south facing window which will (hopefully) do the trick. The needles were starting to feel less soft, so I put it in the bathroom with hopes the humidity would help. It is sitting in the sun now, so hopefully it will be happier in the next few days! Thanks kls_01!
you could also try misting it....anything with small, skinny leaves/needles gets dried out easier in the house. Enjoy your plants!
Kristie
I have been a faithful mister ever since I got the plant. It may have too much water however. It was not looking very happy when I got home tonight. Hopefully the soil dries up fast!
Hmmmmm....I hope your plant perks up....did you make sure to dump out any excess water so it wasn't sitting in it? Has it been repotted recently? The size pot doesn't look too big for the plant, but here's a link I found that kind of describes things you've said has happened to yours:
http://en.allexperts.com/q/House-Plants-721/Norfolk-Island-Pine-7.htm
Thanks. It has not been perking up =(. I brushed away some of the soil from the roots with hopes that it will dry out quicker. Hopefully the roots aren't too damaged already!
I don't think it is a very happy plant at all. It seems to still be alive, but just barely. I added some soil to soak up excess moisture and it dried up significantly. I just watered it a few days ago and have continued to mist the needles, but it still looks pitiful :(. I'm not sure that it is going to make it.
