If there is a lot of space in the sowing container, it is time to prick out cactus seedlings. Since the seedlings are still far from the size of adult cacti, separation requires special precautions. This guide explains how to do it correctly.
How should you properly prick out cacti?
When pricking out cactus seedlings, you should use a shallow dish with drainage that is filled with a mix of cactus soil and lime-free quartz sand (1:3). Carefully separate the seedlings and plant them in prepared planting holes before slightly moistening the soil and placing the plants in a partially shaded, warm place.
This preparation optimizes success – tips & tricks
Since cactus seedlings grow more vigorously in company, we recommend a shallow bowl for isolation that has an opening in the bottom for water drainage. Commercial pricking soil is still too nutrient-rich for most types of cacti. A mix of cactus soil and lime-free quartz sand in a ratio of 1:3 is more suitable.
Please clean the bowl meticulously with hot water. Pour the pricking substrate into a fireproof bowl, spray it a little with water and place a lid loosely on it. Place the container in the oven to sterilize at 150 degrees Celsius for 20 to 30 minutes.
Step-by-step instructions – How to prick correctly
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 the soil and pre-drill small planting holes in it with a matchstick
- Lift each seedling individually from the seed container and place it in the small pit
- Press the substrate with a stick or match to ensure a good seal to the soil
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. Afterwards, they take up a sunny location and, with a diameter of 3 cm, receive the same care as adult cacti.
Cacti pricked too early lack the courage to face life
As practical experience shows, cactus seedlings are only stable enough for pricking out after 9 to 12 months at the earliest. Since the young plants prefer to thrive in company, it is no problem if they stand head-to-head for a while. Isolated too early, failure rates of more than 60 percent are not uncommon.
Tip
You can reduce the susceptibility of cactus seedlings to fungi before sowing. For this purpose, purchase potassium permanganate from 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.
