If the seed pot is tight, it's time to prick out the cactus seedlings. Since the seedlings are still far from the size of adult cacti, isolation requires special precautions. This guide explains how to do it right.

Cacti should not be pricked out too early

This preparation optimizes success - tips & tricks

Since cactus seedlings grow more vigorously in company, we recommend a shallow bowl for the isolation, which has an opening in the bottom for water drainage. Commercial pricking soil is still too rich in nutrients for most types of cacti. A mix of cactus soil and lime-free quartz sand (15.85€) in a ratio of 1:3 is more suitable.

Please clean the bowl meticulously with hot water. Fill the pricking substrate into a fireproof bowl, spray it with a little water and put a lid on loosely. Place the jar in the oven to sterilize at 150 degrees Celsius for 20 to 30 minutes.

Step-by-step instructions - How to prick properly

After the preparatory work, separating your cactus seedlings is very easy. How to do it right:

  • Fill the bowl 4 cm high with the cooled substrate
  • Smooth out the soil and use a match to pre-drill small planting holes
  • Lift each seedling individually out of the seed pot and place in the small pit
  • Press down the substrate with a pricking stick or a match for a good ground contact

Spray the soil a little with soft water. For 3 to 4 weeks, the stressed cactus youngsters gather fresh strength in the partially shaded, warm window seat. In the period that follows, they take a sunny spot and, with a diameter of 3 cm, receive the same care as adult cacti.

Cacti pricked out too early lack the courage to face life

As practical experience shows, cactus seedlings are stable enough for transplanting after 9 to 12 months at the earliest. As the young plants prefer to thrive in company, it is not a problem if they are placed head to head for some time. Isolated too early, failure rates of more than 60 percent are not uncommon.

tips

You can reduce the susceptibility of cactus seedlings to fungi before sowing. For this purpose, buy potassium permanganate in the pharmacy and use it to make a 3 percent solution with lime-free water. Soak the seeds in it for 20 to 30 minutes and then let them dry.

Category:

Vegetable garden