A trip to get seeds, as always, turned into a spontaneous purchase—a mix of cactus varieties. I simply couldn’t resist the adventure of trying to grow cacti from seeds. I understand that a packet for 2 UAH is unlikely to contain elite species, but it was worth a shot to try my luck.
There are several methods for sowing cactus seeds: in sand, in soil, in perlite, dry, pre-soaked… I chose the simplest option, adhering to the basic rules of growing cacti.
How to Grow Cacti from Seeds
- Soil or sand MUST be baked in the oven or steamed. Some varieties take up to 4 weeks to sprout, and high humidity can encourage the growth of fungi and algae, so soil sterilization is essential.
- The soil for seedlings should always remain moist and warm.
- The optimal temperature for seed germination is 30-35 degrees Celsius during the day and 20 degrees Celsius at night. Shading is required for at least a month after the seedlings appear.
- Watering is best done through a tray using warm boiled water. This method of watering is recommended for up to 5 months.
Soil, seeds, perlite, tray
I baked the prepared cactus soil mix in the oven. As usual, I added perlite and vermiculite —these loosen the soil, prevent it from drying out, and generally improve its quality.
prepared soil
I filled a tray from a hamster cage with the soil—it often comes in handy. The tray’s height is perfect for cactus seedlings before transplanting.
making furrows
furrow for seeds
I made shallow furrows and watered each one with hot water.
moistened furrows
I picked up the seeds with a damp stick and placed them in the furrows, spacing them slightly apart. I opted not to soak the seeds beforehand.
sowing seeds using a damp stick
I gently moistened the sowing area with a spray bottle. Instead of using a greenhouse, I covered it with plastic wrap and left it undisturbed until the next day. The cactus setup is in the shade—daytime temperature is around 30 degrees Celsius, and nighttime temperature is no less than 20.
I ventilate regularly but avoid exposing the tray to direct sunlight. On the third day, the first sprouts appeared, but only of one type.
cactus seedling
sprout on the 5th day
The seedlings turn brown even though they don’t get direct sunlight. This “tan” isn’t harmful; as the seedlings grow, they will turn green.
The little cacti have grown up. They’re such beauties!))
Baby cacti, about one and a half months since sowing
A photo report nine months later can be found here .
