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Turquoise Puya

 

Queen Amaryllis

 Phaedranassa carmioli - the Queen Amaryllis

Phaedranassa carmiolii

Germinating the seeds

 

The papery "wing" may separate from the seed during shipping, and may be discarded.  The seeds themselves are fragile, so handle them gently

 

When to plant -- Plant your seeds immediately for the best germination.

Getting started -- These seeds sprout well by soaking them in water (see: Sprouting seeds in water).  To begin, put them in a small cup of water, and place it in a spot that will stay between 65 and 78 degrees F (18-26° C).  A bit cooler at night is ok.  Avoid letting them get above 80 degrees F (27°C) for prolonged periods.  I recommend placing a minimum/maximum thermometer near the cup. 

 Keep it in a bright spot out of direct sun.  A bright LED or fluorescent bulb kept 3 inches (8 cm) away provides the right amount of light (See: "Growing indoors with LED lights").

 Replace the water every day.  They should start sprouting within about 3-4 weeks, and continue for another month. 

 Carefully remove any seeds with a little white root.  Plant them in small pots or cups with drainage holes.  Use a well-draining soil mix, such as half potting soil and half perlite.  An alternate mix is 2 parts perlite to 1 part coir fiber.  Gently press the seed into the soil until the root is covered, then add water until the soil is evenly moist (but not fully saturated).  If the seed is showing, sprinkle a small amount of soil around it.

 Until the first leaf appears, ensure that the soil surface doesn't dry out.  If you enclose the pots in a plastic dome or bag to maintain moisture, leave it open slightly for fresh air to enter.

 Continue keeping them in a bright spot at the temperature range mentioned earlier.  Once they send up their first leaf, about a month later, you may give them some direct sun if you wish, but protect them from strong sun the first 3 months.

When they are 1 week, give weekly feedings with a small amount of diluted liquid fertilizer (about 1/8 strength).  Hydroponic fertilizer is ideal for young seedlings, since it is easily absorbed and complete.  When they are 3 months old, you may switch to a granular fertilizer.  Choose one that contains micronutrients.

 Avoid transplanting them the first 9 months.  Transplant gently to avoid damaging the roots. 

 At 9-12 months old, you can expose them to a wider temperature range, but protect them from freezing temperatures the 2 years. 

 Tips on growing older plants are here.


Good luck with them!

- Jeff

Strange Wonderful Things

 

 

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