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Devil's Hand Tree

(Mexican Hand Tree)

Chiranthodendron pentadactylon - Devil's Hand Tree

Chiranthodendron pentadactylon

 

Growing the seeds

» These seeds have good viability for only about 2 weeks once they are removed from the tree.  Please plant them the day you receive them.

Pre-treatment -- Hand Tree seeds benefit from having the seed coat cracked before planting, but your seeds have already received this treatment and are ready to plant.

Planting -- For soil, use a well draining mix, such as 2 parts quality potting soil to 1 part perlite.  An alternate mix is 1 part coir fiber to 1 part perlite, with some granular fertilizer mixed in.

 Fill pots that are 3-4 inches tall (8-10 cm) and have drainage holes.  Place a seed on top and cover with 1/4 inch (6 mm) of soil and add water so it's moist throughout (but not fully saturated). 

 Place the pots in a spot with good air circulation.  Don't enclose the pots in a container.  Try to keep the temperature between 65 and 77 degrees F (18-25°C).  Slightly cooler at night is ok.  Avoid letting them get warmer than 80° F (27°C) for prolonged periods.  I recommend placing a minimum/maximum thermometer near the pots.

 Add some water whenever the soil surface dries out.  Most of the seeds should sprout between 4 and 10 weeks after planting, but allow up to 4 months for any slow ones. 

Seedling care -- Once they sprout, give them bright, indirect light.  An LED bulb or panel kept 3 inches (8 cm) away provides the right amount of light (See: "Growing indoors with LED lights"). 

 Avoid getting water directly on the seedlings the first 2 weeks.  Continue giving good air circulation.

 The seedlings may take a few days to throw off their seed shell.  If the shell is still attached after 4 days, try to gently separate the shell with your fingernails.  You don't need to remove the shell, just separate it a bit.  If you're unable to separate it, leave it alone and the seedling will probably back out of the shell by itself within a few days.

  Once they are 3 weeks old, you may give them some morning sun if it isn't strong.  Each week, give them a little more sun until they are in full sun after 4-6 months.  In warmer climates, you may need to continue giving them some afternoon shade to avoid burning.

 When the seedlings are a few inches tall, transplant them carefully to a larger pot.  A deep pot is preferred.  Water the soil before repotting, so the soil ball doesn't break apart, which can damager the roots.  A 1 gallon (4 liter) pot can hold each plant until it is about 12-18 inches tall (30-45 cm), and 5 gallons (20 liter) until it is 4-6 feet (1.5 to 2 meters).

Watering -- While they are young, keep the soil evenly moist throughout.  Avoid keeping it constantly saturated, but don't let it dry out completely either.  Mature trees in the ground are more drought tolerant, but they appreciate occasional, deep watering.

Temperature & humidity -- The Hand Tree comes from a climate that is moderate throughout the year - neither too cold nor too hot.  It is said to be hardy down to about 20 degrees F (-7°C), but frequent, prolonged frosts may stress the tree, especially when young.  I recommend protecting your seedlings from all frost the first year or two.  The trees appreciate some humidity and might not thrive if the air is very dry.

Fertilizing -- The first 2 months, feed every 7 days 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 2 months, you may switch to a granular fertilizer that contains micronutrients, following the dosage on the package.

Pests -- Watch for any insects that have affected your other plants. 

By the way, the leaves may hang downward, looking as if the plant needs to be watered.  This is normal! 

 Feel free to contact me if you have questions.

Have fun growing them!

- Jeff

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