Home	Strange Wonderful Things Rare and exotic plants & seeds

Beschorneria sp.

"Red Bells Agave"

Plant the seeds immediately upon receiving

These seeds are fragile - handle them carefully

Each seed may be placed in a small container about 3 inches (8 cm) tall.  Fill each pot with a well-draining soil mix, such as 2 parts potting soil to 1 part perlite or coarse sand.  Do not water it yet.  Gently push the seed sideways into the soil, with the tapered end down, until the top edge of the seed is exposed (light seems to help germination).  Now water the soil until evenly moist, but not soggy.

Until the seeds sprout, ensure that the soil surface does not dry out.  You may cover the pots with a plastic bag or humidity dome, provided that it has a small hole or two in it, for fresh air.

Keep them at about 65-75 degrees F (18-23°C) day and night.  I recommend keeping them below 80 degrees F (27°C) until they sprout.  If using a heating mat, check the soil temperature, because some mats can overheat the roots. For light, you may use a fluorescent bulb kept 5 inches (12 cm) away. 

Most of the seeds should sprout within 4 to 6 weeks, but allow up to 4 months for any slow ones.

Once they sprout, give them bright light, but shade them from strong sun exposure.  Keep the soil evenly moist (but not soggy).  Most potting soils contain fertilizer, so your plants shouldn't need feeding the first 2-3 weeks.  After that, give 1/4 strength all-purpose fertilizer every 4 weeks.

General cultivation tips for this plant.

 

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