-By Yang (Photos&Texts)
Succulent Seeding
'Temperature,Moisture,Air and Light'
Fresh seeds normally result in better germination rate. Always choose reputable seller when buying seeds.
Succulent Seeding
Preparation
Soil Mix, Soil Container, Seeds, White Paper, Toothpick, Potassium Permanganate (KMnO4), Container
- Substrate: Sifted Potting Soil + Vermiculite + Horticultural Silver Sand (ps. Vermiculite + Sand <20%) [ Large lumps need to be sifted out for fibrous root to take roots]
- Substrate needs to be sterilized. Always sterilize the soil as temperature and moisture required for germination are also favourite by bacteria. There are several ways to sterilize your substrate, we use Potassium permanganate (KMnO4), as it helps with stimulation of seed germination and improve root formation.
- Choose a container with drainage hole
Preparation
Soil Mix, Soil Container, Seeds, White Paper, Toothpick, Potassium Permanganate (KMnO4), Container
Sterilize Substrate & Seeding
Add tiny amount of Potassium permanganate (KMnO4) into water, until the mixture reaches bright light color.
Substrate should be about 0.5-1 inch deep and no more than 1.5 inches.
Let the container soak in for few minutes, until the surface is wet. Wait al least 10 minutes before seeding.
Carefully pour the seeds on the white paper. Succulent seeds are very small.
Do Not cover the seeds with any soil otherwise the seed may not germinate.
The Lithops Seed Panel can be used to seed lithops. This can help with avoid putting a whole bunch of seeds in one spot.
Care Guide
- Avoid exposing to direct sunlight but provide some indirect light. Especially for Lithop seeds, they need light to germinate.
- The germination process usually starts with in 7 days, but some seeds can germinate after a month or two (for those who have after-ripening period).
Take the lid off every morning let the air circulate.
Once you get basic requirements, growing them will quickly become an obsession.
FAQ's
Mostly 15 ℃ (59℉ by Night)-25 ℃ (77℉ by Day)
[Lithops seeds need the temperature difference to germinate]
The best season to start for succulent seeds in the UK is Spring or Autumn, but if the temperature requirement is met, you can seed them all year round. (Temperature and humidity are extremally important during the germination period, and only during that period.) After that seed can grow in normal temperature.
If you are not going to seed them in a short time. Put seeds tube?? with desiccant in a sealed bag then store in a cool and dry place.
I will upload step up step process on how I seed my succulent in blog, coming soon!
Photos
