I usually germinate my seeds using a three part mix of cacti soil+washed river sand + fine grade perlite. The mix was sterilised via microwaving on high power for 3 minutes (after wetting the mix). The plastic pots were washed in a bleach solution. The seeds were planted and then sealed inside sandwich sized zip lock bags. The pot was maintained at a daytime temperature of 27-32 Deg C with approximately 3500 lumens of light exposure for 14 hours a day. Once I counted around the 50% germination mark, I remove the pots from their individual ziplock bags and continue keeping them under the LED light.
The new method (which I will detail below) used only 30% crushed and sifted fired clay brick, 25% rock grit, 40% coarse river sand and only 5% sifted potting mix. The sifting was done to remove any particles below 0.5mm (yes, 500 microns
) and no larger than 4.5mm.The sterilization details are as above.
I recently purchased Ariocarpus bravoanus v. hintonii X kotschoubeyanus (30 seeds) and Aztekium riterii (60 seeds) and proceeded to sow them on top of this mix. I then sprayed the top with a quarter strength solution of Mancozeb and finally a couple of sprays of water.
Both bags were then placed inside the sterile ziplock bags and have been maintained at around 26-30 Deg C during the day and around 18-20 Deg C during the night.
I sowed these seeds on 09-Jul-2019 and here we are 2 days later aniticipating that first germination.
The reason I used almost pure grit is to minimize any chances of fungus, root rot and all those other 'goodies'
I intend to keep these bags isolated for at least 6-8 months.
I have currently kept some Aztekium hintonii and Strombocactus disciformis seedlings for about 2 months in isolation - they are growing very well, although for those seeds, I used the original proportions of cacti soil+washed river sand + fine grade perlite.
I'll keep you posted and also upload some photos.
