Aloe polyphylla germination

[BrianMc]

Has anyone tried long strand sphagnum moss as a material to put the new seedlings into? I use it for small orchids as it retains a lot of water within its structure for the plants to access but then has open channels so air can also get to the roots to prevent them rotting.


Thoughts?
Has anyone tried a media like this for these or other succulents?

Why not try Vermiculite?

[edds]

Why not try Vermiculite?

Great idea Brian. I have a big bag of that but never though of using it! I can see an experiment coming on!

[el48tel]

Daughter swears by vermiculite for seed germination. Tried a comparison with some seeds in JI#2 + grit mix. Vermiculite is slower but seems to give similar germination. The ultimate test is what the resultant seedlings are like next year. The fact that it is less likely to be contaminated with other potential living materials is a bonus, and moisture release characteristics, make it worthwhile trying.

[Herts Mike]

My seed compost is always JI and vermiculite 50/50. Works very well for me.

[Darren S]

I just got seed of this so will try the soaking method. I also have seed of A.dichotoma - is it worth using the same method? And also try it now?

[Herts Mike]

No, Sow it in the usual way. Personally I wouldn’t sow until the end of Feb.

[Darren S]

Thank you Mike - much appreciated.

[edds]

I've put my Aloe ferox in water too - Mike (and anyone else who knows!) will that not work for them or is it just that they don't need this treatment?

[Tina]

My aloe polyphylla seed just went in my normal mix but with a tray underneath so it was seriously wet- I kept them on the kitchen window for a few weeks to take better care of them, I waited until they had 2 sets of leaf's starting to form before I moved them as its easier to grab them.
My last year batch was my best i have over a dozen plants

[Herts Mike]

I only know of polyphylla germinating in water.