Cactus Seed Raising Kit Instructions

Instructions

Optional: The soil can be microwave-sterilised prior to use if mould is a concern. These days we tend to prefer working with the beneficial soil microbes and deal with mould only if it appears, but when first starting out it can be much simpler to sterilise the soil. To do this, simply tip the soil into a microwave safe container and add about 100ml of water. Use a lid with a vent, or just leave it slightly cracked so steam can escape. Microwave the soil for 2 minutes . Allow to stand for 30 seconds. Microwave for a further minute seconds. Remove the container from the microwave, seal the lid and allow it to cool back to room temp.

Step 1 Lay the fine particle fabric sheet on top of the mesh tray. This is to allow water to flow through the unit without fine dirt and small rocks falling through the mesh.

Step 2 Empty the soil into the base of the propagation container. Ensure the top of the soil is flat and level, but not compacted down.

Step 3 Fill your spray bottle with clean water and liberally spray the soil until it begins to drip into the base tray. Spraying the water instead of simply pouring it on allows more even coverage and avoids compaction of the soil.

Step 4 Add a small amount of water to the base tray, just enough to coat the base, and ensure it doesn’t go above the 2 ledges.

Step 5 Spread the Maifan stone top dressing over the soil, ensuring even coverage. The sharp stone top dressing will promote surface humidity to assist seed germination, and “scaffolding” for young seedlings.

Step 6 Sprinkle the cactus seeds over the surface. Tip them into the palm of one hand, then pinch and sprinkle them with the other to ensure even dispersal. After all seeds are sown, give the surface a few light sprays of water. This is done to lightly push the seeds down to the soil, as well as moisten the seed coat.

Step 7 Put the humidity dome on.

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.