Germinating the seeds
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 and have drainage holes. Use well-draining soil.
A typical mix is 2 parts quality potting soil 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. You may need to drip a few drops of water on the surface every few days to keep it moist. During the day, keep them at about 66-77 degrees F (19-25°C).
At night try to keep them below 64° F (18°C), perhaps on the floor of a cool
room. Keep them above 45°F (7°C). I recommend placing a
minimum/maximum thermometer Place the containers in a bright spot out of direct sun. A bright LED bulb kept 4 inches (10 cm) away provides the right amount of light (See: "Growing indoors with LED lights"). They tend to start sprouting within 4-8 weeks, but can sometimes take longer to start, especially at cooler temperatures. After they sprout, continue dripping water on the soil surface, since young seedlings have a small root system. If possible, avoid letting water sit on the leaves the first few weeks. Fertilizing -- The first 4 months, feed every 2 weeks with a small amount of dilute (1/8 strength) liquid fertilizer. Hydroponic fertilizer is ideal for seedlings, because it is easily absorbed and contains all essential nutrients. Watering -- Once the seedlings are a month old, you may allow the soil surface to dry between waterings, but keep the rest of the soil evenly moist (but not soggy). When the seedlings are 4-6 weeks old, you may carefully dig them and transplant them. Growing onward... Lighting -- Until they are a few months old, avoid direct sunlight, unless it's weak. Older plants like tree-filtered sun or morning sun, with protection from strong sun. Climate -- It grows well in mild or cool daytime temperatures and cool but frost-free nights. Mature plants can reportedly survive down to 16-20 degrees F (-10°C), but try to protect it from prolonged frosts. It is definitely happiest above freezing. Over about 40% humidity is best. Indoors, if they seem to suffer from low humidity, you may need to use an ultrasonic humidifier. If you have questions or problems, please contact me. Enjoy your plants! - Jeff Strange Wonderful Things
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to 1 part perlite
(use small- or medium-size perlite, not large chunks). Don't
add lime to your mix.
, 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
near the pots.