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Growing cactus from seed |
Don't make a science project out of growing a
San Pedro or Peruvian Torch. Some think
that they have to provide 500W grow lights, grow them hydroponically,
want to force growth in the winter months, try to produce
seed from a single plant (inbreeding), or dream up special soil
mixes. Some visitors have emailed me only to argue about why I
recommend such large containers.
First learn the basics of plant
care by raising ordinary house plants or vegetables and herbs
instead of experimenting on a rare and expensive sacred cactus.
There is no point in trying to grow cactus from seed if you haven't
been able to create a healthy environment to raise adult specimens.
In fact, only after you have a collection of healthy sacred cactus
should you look to having children.
Growing from seed is fraught with
problems:
1) No one certifies seed so you may have wait years to see
what your plant becomes.
2) The seed may be genetically
inbred, or have very poor germination.
3) You might spend months
raising seed only to have it die from drying out, or turn to goo
from a fungus infection.
Because of these problems — I
cannot offer a tutorial or provide email support. The difference
between a professional and an amateur is hundred or even thousands
of hours of experience. As you gain experience with plants you learn
that it is both art and science. Skill is everything.
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(below) Zero germination on the left and decent
germination on the right.
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(below) Germination indoors allows temperature control. Where I live
it is too hot outside and seed will cook.
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(below) Standard Peruvianus at 3-months |
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(Below) At 5 months. Germinated in fall and raised under lights
during the winter months.
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Growing rare Peruvian cacti from seed —
NOT from Karel Knize |
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Seed from Peru,
purchase in 2006, was a disappointment. Seed from
European sources germinated just fine.
Seed from Peru, purchased in 2007, resulted in zero
germination!
Now a new source, direct from Peru, is the best
germinating of all. Only problem is that it will
take several years before the mature plants shows
what it truly is.
More... |
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| (above) These racks represent part of the 2,000
tiny seedlings individually pricked out from the
seed beds and repotted in 2" pots. If these
seedlings are not watered for two days they'll die.
When you raise seedlings you can't go far from home. |
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