Need expert advice on seedlings please

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panaMark
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Need expert advice on seedlings please

Post by panaMark »

I have many pots of cactus seedlings that were planted 3 months ago and they are doing very well. Yay! My problem is that I have to take a month long trip where no one will be around to take care of the seedlings. Some of the seedlings are still in their bag coverings (I used the ziplock method of starting them under artificial lighting.) Some of the pots I have had to remove from their bags due to excessive moss starting to grow.

My question is: what do I do while I am gone? I am worried they will dry out and die. Can I uncover all the pots and water the seedling well before I leave and then reduce the temperature in the room somewhat so they won't need water until I return? Can seedlings be forced into semi-dormancy?

Or do I return them all to their ziplocks so they don't dry out? I am afraid they will be overgrown with moss while I am gone.

I am especially wondering if they can be forced to semi-dormancy by having the temps at about 65 F (18 C) while I am gone. That way they will not need as much moisture. Some of the plants in bags I can leave sealed I think. But right now I think I will set the thermostat at 65, be sure there is a moderate amount of moisture in their soil and close the bags about 75% and pray. Does that sound best? If any of you seedling experts can help me that would be greatly appreciated!

btw: the seedlings are getting quite large (from 4mm to 8 mm wide) with good healthy growth and nice spines. Unfortunately, there is no one that will be around to look after them that does not have a black thumb.

Thanks! - Mark
Wilk
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Re: Need expert advice on seedlings please

Post by Wilk »

I would put them into the baggies as moss will not develop so quickly and will not kill them in any event. The more difficult question is where to leave them so that they get enough light but not too much. Too little light and they get etiolated and too much and they scorch. Better too little than too much IMO.

I think you can reduce the temperature but ideally not so much that they go into shock. Not something I have done so a bit of a guess I admit.
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Chris L
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Re: Need expert advice on seedlings please

Post by Chris L »

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daniel82
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Re: Need expert advice on seedlings please

Post by daniel82 »

If they've already left the baggies then putting them back could kill them. They'll have adjusted to the lower humidity. I would just water them about a week before you go and then leave them in a window probably not a south facing one as they could burn or cook if it got hot. They are young, if they got a little eliotiated they will out grow it in short order. I wouldn't worry too much, they sound a decent size and should be fine.
panaMark
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Re: Need expert advice on seedlings please

Post by panaMark »

Thanks so much for the thoughtful replies.

One thing I should have mentioned is that these are being grown in the spare room under good artificial lighting with timers. So the lighting isn't a concern. I thought of wet mats, but that introduces other issues. So I think what I will do is water them properly a day or so before I leave, then the ones out of baggies I will just put in baggies but with the top open with the idea that it will slow drying just a bit. The ones in baggies I will crack the seal on the top so the air starts to get in and they start acclimating. Also I will reduce the temp in the room to about 62 F . Then I will just say a prayer and enjoy my vacation.

I will let you know how it goes and I will post some pictures when I get a chance.
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