Thank you for purchasing one of our cactus seed growing kits. On this page you will find instructions on how to set up your grow kit as well as tips and tricks for best results.

1. Propagation Container – Four pieces:
   1. Transparent humidity dome/lid;
   2. Mesh insert growing tray;
   3. Water catcher base tray;
   4. Fine particle fabric sheet.
2. Maifan stone top dressing;
3. Cactus seeds;
4. Spray bottle

You will also need Water (use bottled drinking water for best results); A microwave*;A heat mat*; A greenhouse* or grow light*.

*not required but useful

Optional Soil Sterilization (for Mould Control)

 

If you are concerned about mould, you can sterilize the soil first:

• Add soil and about 100ml of water to a microwave-safe container.

• Cover it with a vented or slightly cracked lid.

• Microwave for 2 minutes, then let it stand for 30 seconds.

• Microwave for another 1 minute.

• Seal the lid and let it cool completely to room temperature.

 

Sowing Steps

1. Prep the Tray: Lay the fine particle fabric sheet over the mesh tray.

2. Add Soil: Fill the container with soil, making sure the top is flat and level (do not compact it).

3. Moisten Soil: Use a spray bottle to liberally spray the soil until it just starts to drip into the base tray. This keeps the soil loose and evenly damp.

4. Base Water: Add a small amount of water to the base tray, just enough to coat the bottom, but staying below the two ledges.

5. Top Dressing: Spread the Maifan stone top dressing evenly over the soil surface. This helps with humidity and supports the seedlings.

6. Sow Seeds: Sprinkle the seeds evenly over the top. Then, give the surface a few light sprays of water to settle the seeds and moisten their coats.

7. Cover: Place the humidity dome on the container.

 

Germination

To germinate the seeds they’re going to need consistent light and warmth.

The simplest way to achieve both is to use a greenhouse and sow your seeds from late spring or summer in Australia.

For year-round seed germination, consider purchasing a seedling heat mat to deliver the consistent warmth required. Whilst not necessary, a heat mat thermostat can also be a useful piece of tech when you’re starting out to ensure the soil stays at the right temperature. If you’re using both of these, set the thermostat to 30C for germination.

For indoor growing you will require a grow light (T5 LED grow lights are inexpensive and perfect for seed germination).

If there is any chance of receiving direct sun we recommend wrapping the container in shade cloth, a tea towel, or some other kind of light-filtering fabric to protect them, as the direct sun can easily roast delicate young seedlings.

Assuming the soil is moist, they receive regular, consistent light and the soil is warm enough your cactus seeds will begin to germinate within 7-14 days. Some may pop up earlier if you are using a grow light and heat mat. After a month most of them should be germinated though some may continue to pop up in the following weeks/months.

 

Seedlings

After germination the seedlings can be left in the propagation container for roughly 6-12 months or until they visibly outgrow the container lid. Top up the water in the base tray if it ever looks too dry.

 

Re-potting

When the seedlings are almost too tall for the humidity lid, remove it completely and allow the seedlings to fully acclimate for several weeks. After this, you may want to consider potting them into individual pots. We repot them into small pots either on their own or in small groups if their roots are intertwined and we don’t want to risk ripping them.