Germinating Bird of Paradise in Sand

Hello, has anyone ever grown bird of paradise from seed. The instructions I received stated to start them in sand, then transfer to regular potting medium. My question is when sand is mentioned to what kind of sand are they referring? Will play sand work? Where do I purchase course builders sand? I've heard of that also. Please help.

I've always just used potting soil, kept warm and moist. If you are careful not to let them rot they will root.

Ann

Deebie.. Do you have the real Bird of Paradise seeds? The ones that have the red and orange fuzzy stuff on the outside of them, or do you have th eMexcian Bird of Paradise?

I have grown both of them, and never used sand before. Like Ann up above have just used potting soil or a seed starting mix.

If they the real ones with the fuzzy outsides. Wash and rub as much of the fuzz as you can off. I soak mine for 24 hrs in water and some hydrogen peroxide. Then change the water and soak again for another 24 in just plain water , plant, barely cover and give em lots of heat and sunshine and wait sometimes weeks to more than a month for them to germinate.

Since they take so long to germinate, you want to make sure you don't keep to moist or you'll develop a fungus mold aroudn the seed.

They are fun to grow but definately not a fast grower or bloomer.

Thanks, Star and Plantlady. I have the real bird seeds with the orange fluff, which I will remove. I shall soak and plant as advised. I know this is going to be a test of my patience, but I'm going for it.

Oh ya it will, I started mine from seed and it took 5 years before I saw a bloom. Was along time and mainly just kept mine on th ekitchen counter with some other plants as the sun came through the window and for the most part ignored it til the one day it finally did it's thing. Then the time flies by. Good luck with your seeds. : )