We sow cactus seeds and grow new interesting specimens
Despite the large number of plant lovers, sowing cactus seeds is difficult. This is due to improper planting, during which they rot. Growing and caring rules will help you acquire new prickly seedlings on the windowsill. This will take a little time, patience and the right materials.
We select seeds
To get cactus seeds at home, you must wait until the end of the flowering period. A box with seeds will remain in place of the inflorescence. The disadvantage of this method is the long waiting time. In addition, only those plants from which the material for planting was collected will be able to grow.
The appearance of the seeds depends on the variety. They can vary in color, shape and size. Seed cacti bloom much later than those grown by the vegetative method.
Soil and capacity requirements
You can prepare the soil for planting yourself. To do this, you need leafy earth, river sand, a small amount peat and crushed charcoal. All components must be disinfected, the sand is washed and calcined in the oven for 90 minutes at a high temperature.
However, for favorable seed germination, it is better to stock up on ready-made soil for cacti and succulents. It contains all the essential nutrients and trace elements for a seedling. Store land also needs preliminary treatment with a solution of potassium permanganate. Can be baked in the oven on a baking sheet for no more than 10 minutes at a temperature of + 110 ° C.
Planting capacity
Cactus seedlings are grown in greenhouse conditions. A small plastic container with a lid is suitable for this (a special container, cake packaging or a disposable food container).
Sowing technology of cactus seeds
Before planting, the seed must be prepared. To do this, they are soaked in a weak solution of potassium permanganate for 10 hours, then taken out and dried. After that, you can start the process.
Sowing
Stages of sowing cactus seeds:
- Lay the drainage in the prepared mini-greenhouse, pour 5 cm thick soil on top and pour thoroughly with boiled warm water. Overflow should not be allowed, otherwise you will have to wait until the earth dries up;
- Smooth out wet soil and make small holes for seeds, at a distance of 2 cm from each other;
- Place a seed in each hole without falling asleep on top;
- Close the container with a lid and place it on the windowsill.
Already in the first week, you can find the first shoots of the planted plants.
You can open the container only after the appearance of thorns on the seedlings. They really need oxygen.
Seed care rules
To obtain high germination and strong plants at all stages of growth, it is necessary to properly care for them. From the moment of planting until the emergence of sprouts, care requirements must be strictly observed.
Watering
Having planted cacti with seeds and during the period of their active growth, it is important to monitor the moisture of the soil, preventing it from drying out. If you overdo it with watering, then the seeds can rot.Before watering, it is worth checking the condition of the soil by touch: if it is practically dry, then it is time to moisten it.
In no case should you pour water from a watering can or bottle. This must be done carefully, using a spray bottle or pipette (each plant is watered with it separately). Do not forget that you need to prepare warm boiled water for watering.
Temperature regime
Regardless of the time of year when the cactus seeds were sown, they need a comfortable air temperature. The optimal indicator varies in the range of 23-25 ° C. It is very useful sometimes to lower the temperature to 15 ° C, so at night it is worth removing the container with seedlings in a cooler place.
Shine
Young flowers are greatly influenced by lighting, so before planting cacti from seeds, you should choose a good place.
The windowsill should have a large amount of natural and artificial light (fluorescent lamps), while the greenhouse must be protected from direct sunlight.
Seedling care rules
With the appearance of the first thorns, the greenhouse cover can be removed for several hours a day for ventilation. This is an important stage during which it is necessary to carefully handle the plants. For regular spraying, you can add watering from a watering can with a narrow spout. It is still necessary to monitor the moisture content of the soil, not allowing complete drying out.
The requirements for the temperature regime remain the same, but now the plants feel good even at + 30 ° C. At night, the mini-greenhouse requires a cooler room.
If the cultivation of a cactus from seeds was carried out using fluorescent lamps, during this growth period they can already be abandoned.
Young seedlings need moderate feeding and fertilization. A remedy for these purposes can be purchased at a flower shop. Its composition is characterized by a high content of potassium, phosphorus and calcium and a minimum amount of nitrogen. The interval between dressings should not be from 10 to 15 days.
Transplanting and caring for a young cactus
At 3 months of age, a picking of cactus seedlings is carried out. A separate container is required for each plant. While the seedlings are small, a small container, such as a plastic cup, is sufficient. The pot should have a bottom with holes to drain excess liquid. If the bottom without holes should be watered very carefully.
Long roots should be pinched to accelerate the growth of the seedling.
The transplant is carried out according to the following scheme:
- Pour drainage on the bottom of the container (expanded clay, small broken bricks, fine crushed stone), and on top of a layer of soil (similar to that when sowing) to the edges of the pot;
- Make a small hole in the center;
- Transfer the cactus from the greenhouse to the pot along with the earthen clod;
- Gently tamp the soil around, then fertilize and water.
In the first year, the plant does not require special care, except for watering, which should be the same as for adult flowers (after 6 months). The fertilization schedule remains the same until the first autumn month, after which it is worth reducing watering and giving the cactus a dormant period.
As the cactus grows for a long time, it needs a larger pot that matches its size. The flowering of a plant grown from seeds will have to wait at least 5 years. For further transplantation, it is better to purchase ready-made soil for this species. Despite the fact that a cactus in sand of different colors looks beautiful and unusual, this is not the most favorable option for further development. Over time, the sand is compacted and becomes dense, thereby inhibiting the development of the root system.
For the experience to be successful in how to germinate a cactus from seeds, you should carefully understand. By following all the steps, taking into account the advice of experienced gardeners, you can get rare varieties of plants at home.