Hello,
I have tried many different seed sowing substrates in the past with the first bieng 2 parts JI seed compost 1 part perlite and 1 part horticultural grit. At the moment I have stopped using organic matter due to many fungal infections. My new recipe is 2 parts coarse sand 1 part molar clay and 1 part grit, are their any mixes that some one could reccomend?
Thank you
Perfect seed sowing substrate
Forum rules
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!
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
- BCSS Member
- Posts: 247
- https://www.behance.net/kuchnie-warszawa
- Joined: 22 Feb 2019
- Branch: NORTH DEVON
- Country: GB
- Role within the BCSS: Member
Perfect seed sowing substrate
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.
-
Eric Williams
- BCSS Member
- Posts: 2321
- Joined: 13 Feb 2009
- Branch: SOUTH WALES
- Country: UK
Re: Perfect seed sowing substrate
Hi Henry, I have used just moler clay on its own for years with great results in germination, but you have to feed soon after as there is nothing in it. Cheers. ps, I have sent you a PM. Forgot to say I also use sterelized water.
-
Echinocactus123
- BCSS Member
- Posts: 247
- Joined: 22 Feb 2019
- Branch: NORTH DEVON
- Country: GB
- Role within the BCSS: Member
Re: Perfect seed sowing substrate
Thank you Eric, I have sent you a reply. 
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.
-
ralphrmartin
- BCSS Research Committee Chairman
- Posts: 6070
- Joined: 11 Jan 2007
- Branch: None
- Country: United Kingdom
- Role within the BCSS: Chairman - Research
- Location: Pwllheli
- Contact:
Re: Perfect seed sowing substrate
Pretty similar to my all-mineral mix, which is equal parts of
seed-grade vermiculite
seed-grade hortag (or cat litter if easier to obtain)
seed-grade perlite (omitted if unavailable)
sharp sand
fine grit (or use 2 parts of grit-sand instead of separate sand and grit)
seed-grade vermiculite
seed-grade hortag (or cat litter if easier to obtain)
seed-grade perlite (omitted if unavailable)
sharp sand
fine grit (or use 2 parts of grit-sand instead of separate sand and grit)
Ralph Martin
https://www.rrm.me.uk/Cacti/cacti.html
Members visiting the Llyn Peninsula are welcome to visit my collection.
Swaps and sales at https://www.rrm.me.uk/Cacti/forsale.php
My Field Number Database is at https://www.fieldnos.bcss.org.uk
https://www.rrm.me.uk/Cacti/cacti.html
Members visiting the Llyn Peninsula are welcome to visit my collection.
Swaps and sales at https://www.rrm.me.uk/Cacti/forsale.php
My Field Number Database is at https://www.fieldnos.bcss.org.uk
-
Herts Mike
- BCSS Member
- Posts: 4315
- Joined: 20 Sep 2007
- Branch: LEA VALLEY
- Country: Uk
Re: Perfect seed sowing substrate
Half John Innes, half vermiculite. First watering after sowing stand in boiling water. Works perfectly every time.
-
peter831shaw
- Registered Guest
- Posts: 212
- Joined: 03 Sep 2018
- Branch: None
- Country: USA
Re: Perfect seed sowing substrate
after sowing you stand in boiling water? No impact on seed viability?
Peter Shaw
-
Paul in Essex
- BCSS Member
- Posts: 2099
- Joined: 11 Jan 2007
- Branch: SOUTHEND-ON-SEA
- Country: England
- Role within the BCSS: Member
- Location: North Thames Delta
- Contact:
Re: Perfect seed sowing substrate
Wouldn't you scald your feet? 
-
Echinocactus123
- BCSS Member
- Posts: 247
- Joined: 22 Feb 2019
- Branch: NORTH DEVON
- Country: GB
- Role within the BCSS: Member
Re: Perfect seed sowing substrate
Thank you everybody.
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.
-
rodsmith
- BCSS Member
- Posts: 3194
- Joined: 17 Feb 2011
- Branch: STOKE-ON-TRENT
- Country: UK
- Location: Staffordshire, UK
Re: Perfect seed sowing substrate
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.
-
Herts Mike
- BCSS Member
- Posts: 4315
- Joined: 20 Sep 2007
- Branch: LEA VALLEY
- Country: Uk
Re: Perfect seed sowing substrate
Ignoring my forum colleagues above it has no effect on viability. This advice came from Joyce Cocozza who was one of our finest Haworthia growers.