greenknight wrote: ↑Fri Jul 30, 2021 6:32 am
Since these have been uncovered already, I don't think there's any concern about them being too soft. The lower humidity will toughen them - it will also make for slower early growth, I'm sorry to say. There's no going back, though, don't put the lid back on, just mist them regularly so they don't get too dry.
greenknight wrote: ↑Thu Jul 29, 2021 4:32 pm
Their color definitely looks better, the new ones probably won't elongate like the first ones did - they'll seem to be growing even slower, but they'll be sturdier seedlings. The growth of cactus seedlings plateaus at certain points, the first being before they produce their first spines. As long as they're plump and have good color, don't worry - they may not look like they're growing, but they are growing roots.
Thank you Greenknight
Yes, they do look greener and the new ones don’t look elongated as you say. The Melo looked a bit ‘dull’ for a while but after taking the lid off and adding the light, it looks plumper and healthier. It may have been dumb to take the lid off but I choose to see it as an experiment or something to learn from
7george wrote: ↑Thu Jul 29, 2021 5:05 pm
Opuntia & Hylocereus (dragon fruits) seedlings can be much easier for beginners. These grow faster and also need higher temps but ~30C maximums is OK. All cacti need dark nights -- at least 8 hrs will be fine during their active growth.
Just keep in mind though that some Opuntia seeds may need special condition to germinate (low night temps, soaking and washing, cold stratification) but after that all seedlings will need adequate light and usually some propagator and milder conditions during their first winter(s).
Thank you 7george
I did think about trying dragon fruit seeds but ruled them out for several reasons. The plant itself gets big and is in my opinion not that much to look at, without flowers. Which in my climate and indoors, isn’t very likely, I would guess?
Opuntias on the other hand could be of interest. Is there any species that is ‘foolproof’ and don’t need all these special conditions to germinate and grow?
LateBloomer wrote: ↑Thu Jul 29, 2021 8:55 pm
From what I remember about obsessive research on cacti a few years ago the dark period is not needed. Yes cacti use cam photosynthesis which require cooler nights HOWEVER they are capable of also using c4 when conditions are favorable. When looking at hardgrown vs Thai or just babied you will notice spines and other differences in growth. Now if it’s “healthy” or reduces lifespan or causes other issues is another topic. I personally believe they are healthier when grown similar to natural conditions which they spent generations adapting to grow in. Obviously in cultivation they can suffer less however pampered plants at one point will lead to unhealthy plants which lead to more infections/pests and rot
Thank you Latebloomer
The last sentence in your post is worth a discussion alone, in fact I have considered starting a tread about it. I have been thinking about this a lot and I am wondering if we isn’t doing both the plants and ourself a disservice by all the different treatments for ‘everything’ possible wrong with the plants? Are we creating plants that in the end can’t grow without a heavy investment in pesticides/fungicides etc.?
abhikjha wrote: ↑Fri Jul 30, 2021 6:20 pm
Thanks a lot!!
One question though - what was the reason for taking off the lid? If the lid was transparent, I guess it was better to keep them on for few months. Maintaining constant humidity is essential in early few months in my view.
Thank you Abhikjha
The condensation on the lid blocked much of the light out, that’s why
I am sure you are right about keeping the lid on, but this was my first try and I really didn’t expect anything to happen. I was a bit surprised by the germination rate . If I try sowing again, I will be better prepared and not just throw some seeds on the substrate, without any preparations for what to do nex, if they germinate.