The Pros and Cons of Buying Cactus Seeds vs. Cactus Live Plants
When embarking on the journey of cultivating cacti, one might wonder whether to purchase cactus live plants or start from cactus seeds. Each option has its pros and cons. Buying cactus live plants provides instant gratification and allows you to enjoy the beauty of a mature cactus immediately. It’s perfect for those who want a low-maintenance addition to their homes. On the downside, plants can be more expensive and offer less of a learning experience.
Conversely, growing from cactus seeds can be rewarding and educational. It’s often more economical and allows you to cultivate large numbers. However, it requires patience and a grasp of detailed care instructions. Deciding between starting from seeds or purchasing from a cactus nursery or cactus online involves weighing these factors based on your personal preferences and lifestyle.
How to Grow Cactus Seeds
Growing cactus seeds is a fascinating process. Often referred to as “How to germinate Cactus seeds?”, many discover that germination is the easy part while nurturing the seedlings to grow is more challenging. Cacti naturally thrive in harsh, extreme conditions. However, by optimizing conditions, cacti can flourish uniformly in controlled settings.
Container and Sowing
Choose any pan, dabba, plastic box, or pot with drainage holes as your container for seed sowing. Cover it with a translucent lid or place it inside a plastic bag to maintain humidity.
Media for Seed Sowing
The ideal media should be slightly acidic (pH 6 to 6.5), porous, and well-drained. A good mix may include components like fine charcoal chips. Remember, the particle size should be small enough to prevent seeds from getting lost but large enough to remain well-drained. Rather than relying solely on materials like vermiculite or perlite, which might cause seedlings to topple, aim for a stable substrate that maintains seedlings upright, avoiding the decay associated with their falling.
Whether to sterilize the cactus soil is subjective. Using sterilized media and water allows seedlings to remain sealed for months, reducing the risk of fungal and bacterial rot.
Humidity and Temperature
Maintain high humidity by sealing the pot or using a polybag. Ensure moisture is adequate for germination but not excessive to prevent rot. Cactus mix plays a crucial role here, ensuring the soil is moist but not waterlogged.
Optimal temperatures for germination range from 15°C at night to a maximum of 35°C during the day. A temperature flux of 10°C between day and night can enhance germination success.
Light and Fungal Control
Control both light strength and duration. Cactus and succulent potting soil thrive with a light setup that mimics summer day lengths while providing 50% reduced strength through shade netting. Fungal attacks are common, thriving in the same conditions as your seeds. Employ mild antifungal sprays and monitor seedlings, adjusting humidity and light as needed to safeguard against fungal proliferation.
Repotting
As your cacti begin to press against each other, it’s time to repot. When seedlings visibly compete for space, gently relocate them to larger containers, ensuring they have enough room to continue thriving.
In conclusion, while guidelines exist for growing cactus plants from seeds, the real learning comes from personal experience. With patience and careful attention, the cultivation of cacti from seeds can become a rewarding endeavor. Whether choosing seeds or cactus plants for sale, enjoy the rewarding journey of nurturing your cacti collection!