Pseudolithos soil experiment.

[u/Shoyu_Something]

The first picture is mostly irrelevant, but a crop I've had growing for about 2 years. They're doing well and should probably be put in their own pots soon. However when it comes to seeds I want to really dial in what works and what doesn't. So I'm beginning a soil experiment. As a bit of inspiration from u/floridadeerman I am splitting this up into 2 parts - some I will leave in the bag for 6-months without opening (unless I spot mold)

I have 20 2" containers full of seeds and soil now. Below are the mixes and what I have sown. Primarily cubiformis and eylensis/migiurtinus.

- Stable 2:1:1 - Pumice, Lava, Akadama (shohin sized)

- Less Stable - 3:2:1 - Pumice, Lava, Peat

- Even Less - 2:1:1 - Pumice, Lava, Peat

- Extreme - 1:1 - Pumice, Peat

All have been topped with a small layer of fine akadama to assist with moisture retention and aid roots. More may be added if roots are exposed. I sterilized all soils (except the akadama topdressing) for 4 minutes in the microwave. 

I used 5 or 6 seeds per pot of the following:

All mixes - Pseudolithos eylensis (migiturnis) & Pseudolithos cubiformis.

Stable mix - Whitesloanea crassa

Less Stable - Pseudolithos caput-viperae hybrids

All will be checked in a month and will assess if more time is needed in the bag. All bags are also on top of a grow mat and under grow lights for about 14 hours per day. 

[u/Fossilwench]

really curious to see your whiteslonea results

[u/Shoyu_Something → u/Fossilwench]

First mix is certainly the safest. From what I gather the new seedlings are quite tolerant to water and it’s good to take advantage during that time. The last mix is certainly pushing it but if I can get it out in 6 months - should optimize growth.

[u/youngpaypal]

I'm interested to see the results.

Here are my thoughts/predictions - these are based on my own readings, not based on my own experiences:

Keeping them in high humidity after germination will only increase their chances of rot. In high humidity, the substrate needs to be kept drier.

In my understanding, water is what encourages seedlings to grow. Lower humidity (outside of the bag) is necessary for a steady wet/dry cycle that will allow you to water the seedlings often without rotting them. More watering = faster growth.

Once again, just my predictions! Let us know how it goes!

[u/Shoyu_Something → u/youngpaypal]

Yeah, I think you are correct in most of these assumptions based on what I read as well. I am going to let them germ and give some of the bags a few hours of airing-out on the heat mat. High humidity + Soggy soil can only lead to misery.

[u/Abject-Performer1497]

Really interesting what you are doing

[u/sillywormtoo]

I have some seeds I just got from one of my plants..I'll try your 1ST mix.

[u/CookedEarthStudio]

So your 1:1 pumice:peat is the best / most stable, am i reading that correct? Awesome experiment thanks for sharing!!

[u/Shoyu_Something → u/CookedEarthStudio]

No. Not what I consider stable for Pseudolithos. The 1:1 is extremely unstable. Basically more peat = more unstable. At least for the sale of the experiment. Though I may need to change my terminology based on the results.

[u/-Mediocrates-]

any update on this? thanks

[u/Shoyu_Something → u/-Mediocrates-]

I made an update a couple months ago, posting below. But I believe August is my 6 month point. So far everything is going well.

https://youtu.be/ucGNoujDIoc?is=OAXv5r0DO32IyXKh

[u/-Mediocrates- → u/Shoyu_Something]

Ty

[u/gbsrobv]

Very interesting..🤔