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Guess
Wanderer



Registered: 03/10/13
Posts: 343
Last seen: 11 days, 8 hours
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Need Solid rundown on Cacti from SEED
#23950216 - 12/22/16 09:14 PM (7 years, 1 month ago) |
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Hey guys, I am planning on starting some cacti from seed. Peruvians, San Pedros, Bolivians, and some hybrids of the 3.
I realize it is December and the dead of winter but I am well prepared.
I plan on using a plastic tub, possibly a retired monotub with 2.5 inch substrate. Heat pad with thermostat (used in reptile cages. I have a couple laying around). I also plan on using 2 (I believe) full spectrum lights that I use for my snakes as well. The lights have been more than sufficient for vivarium plants. I will be properly pasteurizing my substrate.
links to teks would be helpful 
QUESTION TIME: SUBSTRATE Where do I start? Ive seen recipes for mixes, I've seen premixed soil, and have seen not to use premixed. Where the hell do you start with the substrate?
WATERING Keep it wet? Dry? When do I start introducing droughts? I've seen people soak their substrate for seedlings and others say to keep it moist but not too wet? Which is it and at what point in the growing process do I change that?
NUTES Ahh nutrients, I see castings are popular, do you guys just throw them on top before you water? How does it work with cacti? Compost tea? Any specific compost recipes?
TEMPS Best temperature for germination? The seedlings will be kept in my reptile room (70F and above).
I've read 82F, my plan is to bury the temp node for my regulator and a thermometer in the middle of the tub at the bottom. Then I plan on putting the tub with my substrate into a second tub with a towel to act as an insulator/distributer for my heat pad on the bottom of the second tub.
6+ MONTHS IN THE FUTURE So transplanting, any special way to go about that? Just switch pots and water? maybe some goodies?
Thanks in advance to responders!
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saythatagain



Registered: 04/11/15
Posts: 980
Loc: Spaceship Earth
Last seen: 10 months, 3 days
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Re: Need Solid rundown on Cacti from SEED [Re: Guess]
#23950377 - 12/22/16 10:19 PM (7 years, 1 month ago) |
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There are many options for substrate, and to be honest it isn't that important. Just make sure it doesn't retain too much water or totally dry out. I have differing mixes for different cacti but for trichs I use something like 40% perlite, 30% vermiculite, 15% coarse sand and 15% peat. Sift out and large chunks. I leave them in humidity for about a week after they finish germinating, then cut holes in the cling wrap lid until I can remove it. If you ever have a problem with mold, 3% h2o2 misted onto the soil works wonders. To be honest I rarely fertilize anything so I can't help with that. For light 15/9 is good. Unplug the heat mat at night, big temperature fluctuations seem to help germinations. Good luck, feel free to pm me if you think I can help more.
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mike-ologist
appreciator of life



Registered: 11/28/12
Posts: 1,100
Last seen: 2 hours, 35 minutes
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Re: Need Solid rundown on Cacti from SEED [Re: saythatagain]
#23950606 - 12/23/16 12:19 AM (7 years, 1 month ago) |
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Buy a bag of pre mix cacti soil from a hardware store, buy a sand sifting toy from a toystore, sift sand and keep humid for about a week. I use cacti fertilizer from miracle grow every two to four waterings. Transplant similar to other plants, but please remember to get thick oxhide gloves for your saftey. Google yeilds a lot of cacti growing tips too. I use fluorescence plant and aquarium bulbs, they work well.
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Guess
Wanderer



Registered: 03/10/13
Posts: 343
Last seen: 11 days, 8 hours
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Re: Need Solid rundown on Cacti from SEED [Re: mike-ologist]
#23951437 - 12/23/16 11:41 AM (7 years, 1 month ago) |
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Awesome thanks guys, I own a night drop unit for my heat pad, I'll hook that up so I don't have to bother with that. I will use the soil mix you suggested, seems simple enough.
Right on with the lights. My two reptile lights will be perfect then.
Miracle grow fert is easy enough. You guys basically answered the questions I had thank you.
Saythat, I'll definitely let you know if I have further questions. Thanks again guys!
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mike-ologist
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Registered: 11/28/12
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Re: Need Solid rundown on Cacti from SEED [Re: Guess]
#23951658 - 12/23/16 01:05 PM (7 years, 1 month ago) |
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No problem dude, good luck and have a happy holiday season. Glad i could help!
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