Discocactus  
 Preface  Cultivation

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General
To sow
To sow but where
Grafting
Seed harvesting
Storing seed
Labeling
Water
Cultivation climate
Growth season
Diseases
Importation

As can be expected  also the start of the germination process of the seeds of Discocacti requires a higher temperature. It is known that plants from warm climates have a higher temperature optimum for germination then plants from a milder climate.

Years of experience have learned us that the best germination temperature is +/- 30oC. Above 30oC will accelerate the germination process, but will lower the germination percentage rapidly. Among the various sow method's are many used with success. 

Most important are: a sterile sow substrate, the composition of it, as well as the disinfection of the seed.

Hereunder in brief a successfull  method used by us:

  • As sow substrate we use a substrate as sterile as possible.
  • The seeds are de-contaminated by immersing them a few minutes in  water with a dissolved seed disinfectant and rinsed in cooled down to 25oC. cooked water; let dry and sow within  2 days 
  •  
  • Sow widely if you do not wish to transplant the first year, apply a light pressure and cover with river gravel of 1" 2 mm, water carefully with cooked rainwater with a solution of fungicide (TMTD of CAPTAN).
  • Seed that is obtained from commercial suppliers has in many cases been stored for a long time in chilled conditions and should be used immediately after reception. Otherwise the germinative power will strongly reduced .
  • When one has obtained only a small amount of seed its best to graft the small plants within 3 to 4 months on i.e.. Pereskiopsis by this way the risk of loss is greatly reduced.
  • There is a simpler method in order to come to an acceptable result. This method is also used for other cacti. The risk for infection is also reduced. The method is as follows: sow in plastic pots and after carefully moistening, cover it with a plastic bag and close it as good as possible.

         

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email: Piet van der Laken