No soil?
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For the discussion of topics related to the conservation, cultivation, propagation, exhibition & science of cacti & other succulents only.
Please respect all forum members opinions and if you can't make a civil reply, don't reply!
- Echinocactus123
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No soil?
I have recently heard about a more modern technique for sowing using just sand or grit is this in anyway effective as it does not contain any nutrients? Thank you.
Henry,
A 15 year old with a love for Slow growing cacti, highland nepenthes and bulbophyllum orchids.
A 15 year old with a love for Slow growing cacti, highland nepenthes and bulbophyllum orchids.
- anders
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- Location: Uppsala, Sweden
Re: No soil?
I always sow in mixes of moler cat litter and a small amount of something finer like sand, and add nutrients to the water. I don't use the "baggie method", but grow my seedlings almost like my adult plants, but with more shade and water.
- rodsmith
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Re: No soil?
I have come across this method. It needs regular watering and frequent fertilisation.
Rod Smith
Growing a mixed collection of cacti & other succulents; mainly smaller species with a current emphasis on lithops & conophytum.
Growing a mixed collection of cacti & other succulents; mainly smaller species with a current emphasis on lithops & conophytum.
- Echinocactus123
- BCSS Member
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- Joined: 22 Feb 2019
- Branch: NORTH DEVON
- Country: GB
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Re: No soil?
Thank you would normal cactus fertiliser work?
Henry,
A 15 year old with a love for Slow growing cacti, highland nepenthes and bulbophyllum orchids.
A 15 year old with a love for Slow growing cacti, highland nepenthes and bulbophyllum orchids.
Re: No soil?
I think the main issue with soil-less compost is the provision of trace elements. You need to make sure there is a good supply of these. I'm not sure all fertilizer formulations advertised as "with trace elements" have all the necessary ones in a form that is accessible. Obviously they also need the nitrogen, phosphate and potsssium but these are relatively easy to supply.
Cheers
David Lambie
Bristol
Cheers
David Lambie
Bristol
-
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Re: No soil?
In which case which would you recommend David?
Re: No soil?
Honest answer is that I think it is too hard and I put soil in the mix.☺ So sorry I don't have a good answer.
Others do manage though and may have a better answer.
Rene Geissler always swore by a professional vitax mix for a rich range of trace elements, but he used soil as well.
Cheers
David Lambie
Bristol
Others do manage though and may have a better answer.
Rene Geissler always swore by a professional vitax mix for a rich range of trace elements, but he used soil as well.
Cheers
David Lambie
Bristol
- anders
- Registered Guest
- Posts: 925
- Joined: 11 Jan 2007
- Branch: None
- Country: Sweden
- Location: Uppsala, Sweden
Re: No soil?
I use the same fertilizer that I use on my adult plants. I don't know how important it is, but it does have all of the micronutrients.