Astrophytum ASTERIAS

Sowing and germination

Before planting, seeds are soaked for 3-6 hours in warm water with the addition of stimulants (balanced plant vitamin supplement, natural plant growth stimulant, amino-acid plant fertilizer, anti-stress adaptogen solution or root development stimulant), after which they are disinfected for 10 minutes in a weak solution of potassium permanganate, then air-dried and superficially sown in a moist substrate consisting of leaf soil, river sand and finely crushed charcoal in a ratio of 1:1:1. They are moistened with a spray bottle, covered with film or placed in a greenhouse and germinated in the light, but not the sun, at a temperature of 20-25°C, preferably lowering the night temperature to 15-18°C. Regular ventilation is carried out and uniform humidity is maintained. Shoots appear within 10-30 days, depending on temperature and humidity. The maximum germination period can be more than 45 days.