Detailed explanation of cactus sowing methods and steps
Today, the editor will elaborate on the related knowledge of the succulent plant cactus, the detailed explanation of the cactus sowing methods and steps, and then let's get to know together.
Due to the lower temperature of this year's spring compared to previous years, cactus sowing has not been carried out all the time. It's already the end of April, but the highest temperature in the solar greenhouse on sunny days is only 28 degrees, which is really urgent. This temperature is not suitable for sowing, and the seedling emergence is low and uneven. In previous years, sowing could be carried out at the end of March. After careful consideration, I can only resort to the old method of moderate artificial heating. Fortunately, there is a piece of glass plate with heating function at home. I tried it overnight yesterday, and the temperature inside the seeding box reached 33 degrees, which is the ideal seedling emergence temperature. I immediately started to work and began the first sowing of this year when I had some free time this morning. All the seeds were purchased from "MESA".
Now, let's talk about the cactus sowing methods and steps.
I. Cactus sowing soil and mixing ratio
Red jade soil 2.5 parts, coal ash 3 parts, coarse sand 1 part, vermiculite 1.5 parts, coconut bran 1 part, and a mixture of plant ash and carbon shell 1 part.
II. Flower pots for sowing
In the past, plastic pots were used with plastic wrap on top. The disadvantage is that supports must be added inside the pot when the seedlings grow up to increase the space for aeration. This year, I used a "three-piece seedling raising pot", which is a good seeding box with a large internal space and can be stacked without affecting the growth of seedlings, and it is cheap.
III. How to fill the pot with the prepared soil
1. First, spread a layer (0.5cm) of the small square grids at the bottom of the inner box of the three-piece set to increase breathability and isolate excess moisture from the bottom.
2. Tools for filling soil in the seeding pot:
This colander is for eating hot pot and is rusty, so it can no longer be used as tableware. Now it is used to separate large and small particles, which is very handy; this paint brush is washed clean after painting and has powerful functions. It is used here to remove larger particles on the surface; the scoop is made of a mineral water bottle cut diagonally. Isn't it very environmentally friendly! https://
In the middle layer, no matter what, put the mixed soil into the seedbed, leaving 0.5cm from the mouth for adding fine soil. At this time, the colander can be used again. After spreading the fine soil on the top of the seedbed, shake it a few times to make the potting soil compact and not leave large gaps. Finally, use a paint brush to smooth the surface and remove the larger particles.
IV. Disinfection work
1. Before filling the soil in the seedling pot, the disinfection of the three-piece set must be done. The disinfectant used is "potassium permanganate solution", which can be purchased at a pharmacy at a low price and has a good disinfection effect.
Concentration of the solution: too concentrated can burn the seeds and affect the seedling emergence rate, and too diluted cannot achieve the disinfection effect. Put the solution in a transparent cup, and the color should be a transparent rose red (this is a reference color). Soak all the pots in the solution.
2. After filling the soil, put the seedbed together with the pot in the solution to allow the soil to absorb potassium permanganate solution from bottom to top. When the topsoil is wet, take it out and drain the water, then place it for 2-4 hours before sowing.
V. Sowing steps
1. Make labels before sowing. The role of labels is very important. As the variety of plants I grow increases, even a good memory cannot remember the names of the varieties clearly, especially many varieties have detailed classifications. Even the same kind of variety, if the origin differs by dozens of kilometers, their serial numbers will be different. Therefore, be sure to keep the labels carefully and record the detailed variety names, sowing quantity, seedling emergence rate, time, ambient temperature, and sowing methods in notes or on the computer. These labels are self-made with packing tape, as now the whole world advocates green environmental protection, and we cannot fall behind.
2. For large-particle seeds, you can adopt the method of sowing one by one, which has the advantage that there is no need to transplant seedlings later. You can use a small tool similar to the one shown in the picture below, dip the head in the wet surface soil, then stick the seeds, and practice makes perfect. For small-particle seeds, I use my hand to stick the seeds evenly on the soil surface. "Pen" does not need to be mentioned; of course, it is used for recording.
3. Post a few pictures of seeds, one is the planet seeds, which are large seeds. The second is the black jade fish seeds, which are medium-sized seeds. The third is the truffle jade seeds, which are fine and small seeds, similar to the seeds of the fruit of the earth.
VI. Seed disinfection
1. The last step is to spray fungicides after sowing. The fungicides used here are not the previously mentioned "potassium permanganate" but "carbendazim" or "methyl thiophanate" and other fungicides, which are available in flower markets or online (C-S). Dilute according to the instructions on the label. Spray evenly, then cover with a transparent cover and it's okay.
2. Place the seedling pot on the heating mat (diffused light) during the day for heating and turn off the power supply at night to reduce the temperature, so that the temperature difference is maintained at more than 15 degrees. Generally, seedlings start to emerge after three days and are basically complete after a week. The seeds of the planet family can germinate in 36 hours, of course, some varieties take longer to germinate. However, if there are no seedlings after a week, it is mostly difficult to germinate anymore, among which there are many reasons. If seedlings do not emerge with this method, it is estimated to be a problem with the seeds or neglecting the dilution concentration of the disinfectant.
3. Of course, you can use clay pots, ceramic pots, or plastic pots for sowing. After sowing, it is necessary to cover them with plastic wrap to increase the ambient humidity and temperature and isolate external bacteria and pests.
VII. Seedling stage management
1. Lighting: After a week of seedling emergence, the light exposure can be gradually increased. After half a year, full sun management can be carried out, but still needs to be kept airtight, and after a year, the film can be removed for management. After removing the film, it cannot be exposed to strong light for a long time immediately and needs to adapt to the light intensity slowly. Of course, it can also be kept airtight after seedling emergence, but the growth rate will be slower.
2. Water control: Remember that seedlings are not afraid of water but should not be kept in an overly humid environment for a long time. When the surface soil is dry, water should be supplemented in time. For cacti with more hair, the pot immersion watering method is best.
3. Fungicide disinfection: Later-stage management should also pay attention to fungicide disinfection, which can be combined with watering. In the first three months, once a month, and then the interval can be increased. If there is no need to water with soil, it can be sprayed evenly.
4. Fertilization: With such soil, seedlings do not need to be fertilized within a year. If you really have an itchy hand, it is recommended to apply a light night fertilizer.
Three days as promised, the seeds began to germinate!
After two months, the seedlings have doubled in size, and out of the 24 kinds of seeds, only 2 varieties of "truffle jade" have not germinated. Among the varieties that have germinated, the germination rate varies. Some seeds have a germination rate of nearly 90%, and some only 15%. Personally, I feel that the germination rate of seeds purchased abroad is not at the same level as the seeds from myself or domestic flower friends. Some seeds take longer to germinate, which I think is mostly related to the freshness of the seeds. The seeds we buy may contain seeds from previous years, and those seeds that are in short supply and in high demand should be relatively fresh, because they sell out every year.
This is the only one of the three truffle jades that has germinated after two months, still smaller than芝麻 seeds and even slower growing than the stone flower.
The above sharing of the detailed explanation of the cactus sowing methods and steps provides a comprehensive introduction, hoping to bring some knowledge of green plants to green plant enthusiasts.