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Turquoise Puya

 

Cyrtanthus falcatus

Germinating the seeds

 

 When to plant -- Start your seeds immediately for the best germination - don't store them.

Getting started -- This method involves sprouting the seeds in a cup of water - see Sprouting seeds in water.  Place them in a spot that will stay between about 65-80°F (18-26°C) during the day, and 60-75° F (16-25°C) at night.  I recommend placing a minimum/maximum thermometer near them.  Keep them in a bright spot out of direct sun.  Replace the water daily.

 Replace the water with fresh water every day.  The seeds can sprout at various times, sometimes beginning as early as 1 week and continuing for 6 weeks or occasionally longer. 

 Once a root appears, gently repot the seed into a well-draining soil mix.  A typical mix is 1 part coir fiber or peat moss to 1 part perlite (use small- or medium-size perlite, not large chunks).  Use small containers or cups with drainage holes.  Plant the seed with root tip down, and completely cover the root with soil, but don't bury the seed too deeply.

 The first leaf will appear after about a month.  Until then, keep the humidity high around the seeds.  An easy way to do this is to enclose the pots in a plastic dome.  Leave it open slightly for fresh air to enter, to prevent rot.  Keep the pots at the same temperature as described above.  Drip some water over the seeds daily to keep the root moist. 

 A bright LED or fluorescent lamp kept 4 inches (10 cm) away provides the right amount of light (See: "Growing indoors with LED lights").

Fertilizing -- The first 4 months, 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 4 months, you may switch to a granular fertilizer that contains micronutrients, following the dosage on the package.  Or continue feeding weekly with small amounts of liquid fertilizer at 1/8 strength.  Keep the plants above 45 degrees F (7°C) the first 2 years.

More info about this plant

Have fun growing them!

- Jeff

Strange Wonderful Things

 

 
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Turquoise Puya

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