18 replies to this topic

[beadyeyes]

Hello everyone. Trying to grow Peruvian Torch and San Pedro from seed. I am aware that a graft in perekiopsis speeds up growth, but first have to hatch my seeds. Put the seeds in small containers with 2 thirds gravel one third good soil. the containers have lids but have some air flow. I am in portugal mediterrenean climate, temps are about 18 degrees celsius during the day, about 14 at night. RH  around 60%. Planted them 2 weeks ago nothing happened yet, Today I placed the containers in an open tupperware sitting in a heating mat for magic mushrooms. Thinking about turning it off at night so the temperatures mimic an arid, desert like environment . First-timer so no experience, but I read it can take months for germination. I am open to suggestions. Best regards

[Myc]

Sounds like you're on the right path.

 

I use a sand and peat mix to sprout seeds. They usually only take a couple of weeks if the seeds were fresh.

Once your seedlings sprout simply keep them out of direct sunlight or they'll burn.

Flourescent light is OK for propagation during the early stages of growth.

[Skywatcher]

I would recommend keeping the seeds at close to 90% humidity until they sprout, and for a while after.

Good grow vibes to you and welcome beadyeyes.

[beadyeyes]

I would recommend keeping the seeds at close to 90% humidity until they sprout, and for a while after.

 

Inside the containers not sure about RH but its higher than 60%.

[Myc]

I use leftover sushi trays for cactus seedlings. Shallow black trays with a shallow, clear lid. Punch some holes in the bottom for watering and drainage.

Sounds like you have a similar method going. It may take awhile for sprouts.

Keep us posted.

[beadyeyes]

    

So this is my setup, today I noticed a seedling I suspect is San Pedro (right container) but cant be sure yet. I let the weeds grow since growth stimulates growth. The two containers are different because I wanted to find out which was best. 

 

 

 Shallow black trays with a shallow, clear lid. 

 

 yes shallow containers with higher area would be more apropriate but I used what I had available.

Edited by beadyeyes, 12 March 2022 - 11:16 AM.

[Myc]

The soil mix in your photos appears to be quite dense.

You might loosen things up by using / adding some perlite or sharp (coarse) sand.  I would add about 30% of this material judging by the photos.

 

Also,

If you could please upload photos directly to the site it keeps threads like this from losing photo content.

https://mycotopia.ne...ly-to-the-site/

[beadyeyes]

 

You might loosen things up by using / adding some perlite or sharp (coarse) sand. 

 

 

I do have a stock of perlite which I use in cannabis but I read that perlite retains water which is unhealthy for cactus roots, which require good drainage. But you have experience so if it worked for you it works for me.

 

 

 

The soil mix in your photos appears to be quite dense.

 

 

 I put a thin layer of soil on top to accomodate seeds, below is less dense. However I used coarse gravel,  I should add more fine material like sand to improve root development.

[Skywatcher]

Perlite does not hold water, and is a very safe addition to cactus soil. Vermeculite is the product to avoid for cactus. Its like a sponge, and will cause root rot problems at some point.

[beadyeyes]

I now have four interesting seedlings in the san pedro container and one in the peruvian torch. The seeds are hatching 

[beadyeyes]

 

My newborn san pedro seedlings   they are barely visible on the left of the container. other stuff is growing too, like tiny plants and fungi  just hope dont get over my babies 

Edited by beadyeyes, 15 March 2022 - 06:32 AM.

[beadyeyes]

 

I now have 5 san pedro seedlings (left container) and 3 peruvian torch. Still out of the sun. I am leaving for 2 weeks, cant wait to see them then.

Edited by beadyeyes, 18 March 2022 - 12:58 PM.

[beadyeyes]

 

Its been a week and the seedlings are growing slow but steady. I took off the lids from the containers to let them breeth. They are still indoors out of the sunlight.

[beadyeyes]

Update slow but steady seedlings are growing san pedro

peruvian torch 

[beadyeyes]

put them at the window for some sun san pedro and peruvian torch

[MushLuvR]

Always keep an eye out for sunburning, can't stress that enough, you will liquify your babies and it's a restart situation.  You can run a sammich bag or clear produce bag from the supermarket if a baggie won't fit over the pot for humidity.  You will water Way less and they love high humidity in the beginning.  

 

 

MushL 

[beadyeyes]

I wrapped them up to increase humidity, it is kind of dry, and put them out of direct sunlight

[tregar]

Great tips, thanks! I am growing bridgesii, have grown for years. 

[beadyeyes]

They grow slow, but already have visible hair like torns on top. I have 3 san pedro and one peruvian torch.