How to Sow Lophophora Williamsii Seeds
For netizens who are interested, let's elaborate on the knowledge about the succulent plant Lophophora Williamsii, specifically the sowing method. Follow the editor to see the details!
The varieties of Lophophora Williamsii are also becoming increasingly rich. Common ones include the seed-blown Lophophora Williamsii, large Lophophora Williamsii, long-haired Lophophora Williamsii, silver crown Lophophora, seed-blown silver crown Lophophora, woolly green crown Lophophora, and more than ten other varieties. The price of rare Lophophora Williamsii is not low. Many flower enthusiasts hope to sow Lophophora Williamsii. Here we summarize the key points of sowing Lophophora Williamsii from multiple practices for sharing.
I. Substrate: The sowing substrate can use the "three-layer stacking method": the bottom layer of the pot uses coal cinders, occupying about 1/3 of the pot volume; the middle layer uses peat mixed with a little rice husk charcoal, occupying about 2/3 of the pot volume; the top layer is covered with a shallow layer of akadama soil powder, just enough to cover the peat. Akadama soil powder can effectively prevent the growth of moss and can also filter out some salts from the irrigation water, balancing the soil pH. The sowing medium must be disinfected before use to prevent fungal or soil parasites from infecting the seedlings. It can be steamed for more than 15 minutes in a steamer or soaked in a potassium permanganate solution, both of which are ideal.
II. Sowing: The germination temperature for Lophophora Williamsii seeds is between 20 - 30°C. Due to regional differences, the sowing time is not the same, and flower enthusiasts in different regions should decide on the sowing time based on temperature. It is recommended to use black plastic pots, which can increase the temperature difference in the soil inside the pot, promoting seed germination and seedling growth. Before sowing, wet the substrate by the immersion method, then evenly scatter the seeds on the surface of the akadama soil powder. Since the seeds are tiny and require a certain amount of light intensity to germinate, there is no need to cover them with soil. After sowing, cover the entire pot with a transparent plastic bag to keep it moist and convert direct light into scattered light, preventing the seedlings from being burned by the sun. Spray water 1-2 times a day to keep the substrate moist, and the seeds will germinate in about 3-15 days.
III. Transplanting Seedlings: After the seeds germinate, you should frequently open the bag for ventilation and gradually reduce the frequency of watering, keeping the substrate moist. Poor ventilation and excessive humidity can cause the seedlings to burst. When the seedlings become crowded, you can transplant them. The seedling raising substrate should have good ventilation and water permeability and can be mixed with akadama soil, Hiyoroshi stone, rice husk charcoal, peat, volcanic stone, etc., with a small amount of activated carbon added to have some fungicidal effect.
Also, let's mention the care for Lophophora Williamsii seedlings. Lophophora Williamsii has large, fleshy roots and should be cultivated in deeper cylindrical pots. Daily watering should follow the principle of "water when dry and water thoroughly." First, avoid waterlogging in the pot to prevent root rot; second, do not let it dry out for too long, as this will slow down plant growth, cause the epidermis to wrinkle, lose luster, and in severe cases, stop growing. Lophophora Williamsii prefers a sunny and well-ventilated environment. In the summer, it needs some shading, and in the winter, try to keep the potting soil dry. During the growing period, it is suitable to apply a compound fertilizer mainly containing phosphorus and potassium, such as Ogori A2 slow-release fertilizer, adding 3-5 granules each time and burying them in the soil. Be cautious of pests like spider mites and scale insects, and you can regularly bury 3 grams of furan丹 in the soil for prevention.
The above methods for sowing Lophophora Williamsii seeds are for your reference.