How to Sow Star Cactus Seeds
Today's focus is on introducing how to sow star cactus seeds and understanding the green plant and flower planting content of the star cactus sowing method. Let's dive into this topic together.
Star cactus is a succulent plant belonging to the Cactaceae family, native to North America, and thrives in dry environments with plenty of sunlight. The seedlings grow well and new varieties can be hybridized through artificial pollination. Below is an introduction to the sowing method of star cactus seeds.
1. Sowing Time and Environment
Sowing is usually done in spring, with a suitable germination environment temperature maintained above 33°C, and a day-night temperature difference of about 15°C is ideal.
2. Soil Selection
The cultivation substrate must have good drainage performance. A mixture of sterilized river sand and nutrient-rich soil can be used, with石灰质 (limestone) soil being the best choice. It is also possible to place a layer of broken tiles or coarse coal cinders at the bottom of the pot as a water barrier, which also increases the aeration of the potting soil.
3. Pot Selection
A seedling tray specifically designed for sowing can be used. After sowing, there is no need to cover with plastic film or glass, just cover with the lid to keep the temperature and humidity.
4. Seed Preparation
Star cactus seeds are tiny and black. After the fruit of the star cactus is ripe, pick the fruit, clean and wash the seeds, then dry them. There is no need to wait for the seeds to mature after dormancy; they can be sown immediately after collection, which also has a high germination rate.
5. Sowing Steps
First, treat the seeds by placing them in a suitable concentration of potassium permanganate solution. The solution should be a transparent light red color. Also, immerse the seedling tray in the solution, then remove the seeds and tray and let them sit for 2 to 4 hours to drain the water. Fill the tray with fine soil and slightly flatten the surface.
When sowing, sprinkle the seeds evenly on the soil surface or press them one by one in an orderly manner on the soil surface, then sprinkle a thin layer of fine sand on top.
6. Post-Sowing Care and Management
After sowing, water moderately and provide ample sunlight, and spray fungicides to prevent diseases. Fungicides such as carbendazim or thiophanate-methyl can be used. The concentration of the spray should be appropriate and applied evenly and carefully.
Maintain suitable environmental conditions, and the seeds will germinate within 3 to 5 days, some may take 7 days. If there is no germination after 7 days, it means that the sowing has failed. It generally takes 2 years or more for the plants grown from seeds to bloom.
The above is a complete introduction to how to sow star cactus seeds and understand the star cactus sowing method, for everyone to learn and understand!