Transitioning out of the baggie
Posted: Fri Mar 17, 2023 1:34 am
Hello all!
I tried sowing cactus seeds for the first time in April of last year. I tried a bunch of different varieties, but the only two that survived were a single Echinocactus polycephalus and three Ferocactus viridescens. They were sown in 50% potting soil, 25% Turface MVP, and 25% 1/8" pumice, and I kept them in a ziplock for the last year. Never had any problems with mold, fungus, or anything else like that. They've been inside at room temp under a grow light through the winter.
Now that they're a year old I guess it's time to start transitioning them out of the baggie. My concern is that they're still awfully small. Way smaller than I expected from seeing other members yearling seedlings. Plus, the Echinocactus and one of the Ferocacti are red-colored, which I understand indicates that they're stressed.
The Echinocactus: And the three Ferocactus: With them being so small and stressed is it even appropriate to start the transition out of the baggie?
I'm not sure what's causing them to be so stressed out and small; is there anything I can try to get them healthier?
What about fertilizer at this point?
If I can start getting them out of the baggie, should I keep them under the grow light or try moving them outside?
Thanks,
Zac
I tried sowing cactus seeds for the first time in April of last year. I tried a bunch of different varieties, but the only two that survived were a single Echinocactus polycephalus and three Ferocactus viridescens. They were sown in 50% potting soil, 25% Turface MVP, and 25% 1/8" pumice, and I kept them in a ziplock for the last year. Never had any problems with mold, fungus, or anything else like that. They've been inside at room temp under a grow light through the winter.
Now that they're a year old I guess it's time to start transitioning them out of the baggie. My concern is that they're still awfully small. Way smaller than I expected from seeing other members yearling seedlings. Plus, the Echinocactus and one of the Ferocacti are red-colored, which I understand indicates that they're stressed.
The Echinocactus: And the three Ferocactus: With them being so small and stressed is it even appropriate to start the transition out of the baggie?
I'm not sure what's causing them to be so stressed out and small; is there anything I can try to get them healthier?
What about fertilizer at this point?
If I can start getting them out of the baggie, should I keep them under the grow light or try moving them outside?
Thanks,
Zac