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Poor Knights Lily
Germinating the seeds
The seeds are fragile, so handle them carefully.
When to plant -- Plant them right away for the best germination
Getting started -- You may start the seeds either in individual small pots or in a communal pot, which will hold them for about a year.
Fill the pot with a mix of potting soil and perlite, equal parts of each. Then place 1/2 inch (1.5 cm) of sphagnum moss that has been ground up in a food blender or coffee grinder. Instead of moss, you may use coir fiber. Add water until evenly moist, but not soggy. Gently place the seeds on the surface about 1 inch (2.5 cm) from each other and drip some water over them to settle them in.
Until the seeds sprout, ensure that the soil surface never dries out. If you place the pot in a plastic dome or bag to maintain humidity, leave it open a crack to allow some fresh air to enter. Drip a few drops of water on the soil each day. Careful not to let the pot get too soggy though.
Keep the pots between 65-74°F (18-23°C). Avoid letting them get above 77°F (25°C). I recommend placing a thermometer near the pot, since the temperature can very in different parts of a room. Give them bright light, but no direct sun. A fluorescent bulb kept 4 inches (11 cm) away provides the right amount of light.
The seeds should start sprouting after 5-6 weeks, but allow up to 12 weeks for any slow ones. For the first 2-3 months, give them bright light with protection from strong sun. After several months, you can gradually expose them to stronger light.
Air circulation is important after they sprout to prevent fungal diseases, which make the leaves rot near the soil surface.
If your potting soil contains nutrients (check the label), your seedlings should need no fertilizer the first 3-4 weeks. Feed with a very dilute dose of fertilizer.
For the first year, avoid transplanting the seedlings or disturbing the roots.
Tips on growing older Xeronema plants.
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