While being away from the internet (all the recent entries are written from the university library) I was keeping busy lithops-wise. I read on different blogs and boards by lithops lovers that they successfully sow them on pure pumice. I wasn't sure whether it was a good idea but really wanted to try it anyway. If it happens to work out it will make the whole process easier. So, on the 23rd of October I've spread 50 seeds of lesliei ssp. lesliei v. mariae (C141) over the wet pumice stones. You can see the seeds lying upon the stones on the first picture. 
The seeds are large and won't fall through, I thought, and, out of 50, several should germinate even if they don't like the substrate. I understand that late October is not the best time either but I definitely wanted to try this. I put a see-through cover on the container and placed it on my south-eastern window ledge. Being covered up, pumice can stay wet for a long time so I didn't have to add much water during the next days. The result was definitely a success. They started to sprout on day 5 and on day 7 it looked like the picture below. I was especially amazed to find how nicely they took a grip between the stones (it was always a problem with soil substrate - heads down, roots up). I've removed the cover on day 9 and am watching them closely. So far they seem to develop well. What a relief! :)
The seeds are large and won't fall through, I thought, and, out of 50, several should germinate even if they don't like the substrate. I understand that late October is not the best time either but I definitely wanted to try this. I put a see-through cover on the container and placed it on my south-eastern window ledge. Being covered up, pumice can stay wet for a long time so I didn't have to add much water during the next days. The result was definitely a success. They started to sprout on day 5 and on day 7 it looked like the picture below. I was especially amazed to find how nicely they took a grip between the stones (it was always a problem with soil substrate - heads down, roots up). I've removed the cover on day 9 and am watching them closely. So far they seem to develop well. What a relief! :)
PS: The seeds are from Francois Hoes. HQ stuff ;) The result after 12 days is 44 out of 50. Inspired by this I've recently sown more and will report about it later.
Keep it up. They're looking nice.
ReplyDeleteThank you! :) I will.
ReplyDeleteIf all goes well I'm finally getting internet connection at home next week~
I am trying sowing in pure Chabasai, which is a volcanic stone from the family of the zeolites. I am having very good germination rates and can send you pictures if you like. For your plants in pure pumice, did you fertilize in some way or do you give them solely water ?
ReplyDeleteHello Philippe,
ReplyDeleteChabasai looks very much like what I'm using. It is amazing how simple it is. I'd love to see pictures, thanks :)
I fertilize the young seedling circa once in 2 months or even less frequent (because I forget). i use just the common cacti fertilizer solution. the seedlings from the end of october have already all changed into the 'adult' leaves some time ago, so this seems to work well.
Hi Rika,
ReplyDeleteHow do you normally spread the tiny seeds evenly? Mine always seems to be crowed after germinated. Also my seedlings seem to grow quite well in teh first month, then slow down and become a bit soft. I only provide them with the natural sunlight. Will it be the problem?
Hello :)
DeleteI sometimes use a brush to spread them but it's not a problem for them to grow crowded for a while. I usually prick them out after they get their first 'real' leaves. It is also normal for the seedlings to slow down. They seem to grow in phases: slow down sometimes, then have a growth spurt. If they're soft they might be getting new leaves, but it's better if they stay firm (young seedlings need more water). I grow mine under natural light too and it works ok :)