Germinating the seeds
Germination is similar to Begonias (not tropical terrarium Begonias), so if you have germinated them before, you may use the same technique. Getting started - The seeds are very small, so work in a well-lit area. Getting started -- Plant your seeds when you receive them for best results. Use small pots or cups that are 2-4 inches (5-10 cm) tall. The pots should have drainage holes. For soil, use a well draining mix.
Personally i use a mix of 1 part
coir fiber The seeds are tiny, so work in a well-lit area. Fill the pots with soil and sprinkle several seeds evenly across the surface of each pot. An easy way to pick up the seeds is by breathing on your finger tip to lightly moisten it, then dabbing the seeds with it. If you have
long-fibered sphagnum moss For the next few weeks, ensure that the soil surface never dries out. You can maintain high humidity by enclosing the pots in a plastic container or bag - just leave it open a crack to let in fresh air. Once or twice a day, drip a few drops of water on the surface to keep it moist. Keep the pots at about 65-77 degrees (18-25°C). Avoid letting them get above 80°F (27°C) for prolonged periods. I recommend placing a minimum/maximum thermometer near the pots. Keep them in a bright spot, but not in direct sun. An LED or fluorescent bulb kept 4 inches (10 cm) away provides the right amount of light (See: "Growing indoors with LED lights"). The seeds should begin sprouting in 3 weeks, and can continue for another month. Once they sprout, increase the amount of fresh air by opening the bag or container a little more. Continue keeping the soil surface moist for the first 3-4 weeks, because since the seedlings have a small root system. Avoid dripping water directly on the if possible. After 3-4 weeks, you do not need to keep the surface moist, but do keep the rest of the soil moist (but not soggy). Continue giving bright light, but not direct sun. When the plants are a month old, you may thin them down to one per pot. Or you may transplant them all to bigger pots when they are 2-3 months old. Transplant carefully to avoid disturbing the roots. Over about 40-50% humidity is recommended. After 3 months, you may give them some morning sun. Always shade the plants from strong sun. Fertilizing -- The first 10 weeks, feed weekly with a
small amount of
dilute (1/8 strength) liquid fertilizer.
Hydroponic fertilizer
is ideal for small seedlings, because it is easily absorbed and contains all essential
nutrients. After 10 weeks, you may switch to a granular fertilizer For general information on this plant, see here. Have fun growing them! - Jeff Strange Wonderful Things
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to 1 part
(use fine- or medium-grade perlite, not coarse-grade). An alternate mix is 2 parts
quality potting soil
to 1 part perlite.
, sprinkle
a small amount over the
surface. This helps retain
moisture around the seeds while allowing light to reach them, which aids
germination. The amount of moss to use is shown in
that contains micronutrients,
following the dosage on the package. Or continue feeding weekly with
liquid fertilizer at 1/8 strength.