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Psilosopherr
A psilly goose



Registered: 02/15/12
Posts: 12,278
Last seen: 1 month, 10 days
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Germinating and growing Sceletium tortuosum (KANA)
#18712442 - 08/16/13 12:03 AM (10 years, 5 months ago) |
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I have 10 kanna seeds. The internet said multiple water soaks improved germination rates since they are "coated in a natural germination inhibitor." Does anyone know if this is true?
Does anyone have any other tips for the germination of the seeds? I was just gonna plant them in soil after the soaks.
Can anyone direct me to articles on any other kanna cultivation information? I couldn't find much. Personal experience works just fine too, if not better. 
I read they like half and half cactus soil mix and normal potting soil.
South african succulent, so I'm guessing lots of light, and let the soil dry out all the way in between watering? Are they as rot prone as cacti?
ALSO, does anyone who has grown and/or tried kanna have a preferred method of ingestion?
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Uneak
Hi

Registered: 02/03/13
Posts: 413
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Re: Germinating and growing Sceletium tortuosum (KANA) [Re: Psilosopherr]
#18713024 - 08/16/13 04:33 AM (10 years, 5 months ago) |
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There's a section on Sceletium tortuosum in the 25 Species PDF in the Useful Links sticky. I'm not sure how well it works, but at least it's something to start with!
Quote:
Growing Sceletium
SCELETIUM is a small genus of low growing succulent shrubs in the ice plant family (Aizoaceae) endemic to the karroo areas of Western, Eastern and Northern Cape Provinces in South Africa. The succulent leaves grow in pairs and eventually die away leaving persistent leaf vein skeletons clothing the lower stems, which protect the plants from adverse environmental conditions. The small flowers vary in color from white to yellow and occasionally pale orange or pink. Most of the Sceletium species are mostly unknown in cultivation and endangered in habitat. Plant gatherers in South Africa have observed that wild populations of Sceletium tortuosum are becoming increasingly scarce, possibly due to over collection. Protection through cultivation is encouraged.
Starting off
Sceletium is easily grown, and seeds are sprouted much the same as any common cacti. Mature plants also root easily from cuttings. Sceletium can become weedy if over-watered and overfed. Some species are tolerant of mild frost, but it's best not to bring them outdoors until the last frost has passed.
Growing
The soil should be allowed to dry out between watering if growing in a pot. Obviously the size of the pot is a variable where this is concerned but as long as the plant body remains firm looking with no signs of wrinkling, then resist the temptation to over-water. Make this judgment on cooler days; during very hot and sunny periods, most plants will have a tendency to wrinkle especially if they are in a greenhouse. If in doubt, don't water. Watering Sceletium is something of a balancing act... too little and the plants become stunted... too much and they rot or, at best, they start making new bodies at the wrong time of year (if this happens stop watering until the first body has been consumed by the new). After a year or two you will get to know how the plants behave in your particular situation. So, water sparingly until shoot and root growth is well established. Then increase watering and apply a well-balanced liquid feed periodically. Good light is essential so that plants produce strong, sturdy growth. Ideally maintain a minimum temperature of 16ºC or 60ºC, although plants will tolerate cooler conditions. Any general purpose compost with some added grit to help drainage is suitable or any of the propriety cactus composts is ideal. An occasional feed as for houseplants is permissible but don't over do it, Sceletium plants require little in the way of nutrients.
Planting out and aftercare
The planting site should be open and sunny and the soil can be enriched with general cactus soil or compost as was used when they were in a pot. Space the Sceletium plants some distance apart because they creep along the ground, much like plants that propagate through rhizomes, and they can take up a lot of ground space in a short amount of time when cared for properly.
I wish I could give firsthand advice, but I failed at germinating any of my seeds. I'll probably order more eventually, but I still have tons of seeds that I need to get started before I buy any more.
Good luck with your plants, please post any updates/your results!
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