Takeaway Tek

created by: ks_cacti

Growing cacti from seeds can seem daunting to someone new to the fold. It can be simple if you follow this technique (Tek). It works on nearly all cactus seeds (there’s always someone who will find an exception), is simple, inexpensive, and can be very successful for new growers on a small scale.

Learn the rules like a pro, so you can break them like an artist.
- Pablo Picasso

You cannot improve what you do not understand.
- W. Edward Denning

You know nothing, Jon Snow.
- Ygritte, A Song of Ice and Fire, George R. R. Martin

Keep these sayings in mind as you read and follow this. On the Internet, you can find someone to tell you just about anything you want to hear. You will find other writeups called “Takeaway Tek” and wonder if you can borrow one thing from one, and something else from another. Well, you can, but until you know why, you have no idea what the outcome will be. Follow one set of instructions to the letter, and then see if you need or want to change something.

• Potting Soil
• Pumice (preferred) or Perlite
• Takeaway Container
• De-chlorinated Water
• 3% Peroxide (Optional)

Potting Soil: Stay away from “Miracle-Gro” as people have reported issues with it for cacti. Fox Farms Happy Frog Potting Soil is known to work well.

Pumice or Perlite: Pumice 1/4“ (7mm) and under or similar-sized Perlite. Pumice is the preferred choice; Perlite will eventually float and separate from the rest of the soil.

Takeaway Container: Anything here will work. Food prep containers with a clear top and well-sealed lid, like these 25oz Meal Prep Containers on Amazon (non-affiliate link) or anything similar will work. If you reuse actual takeout containers, wash them well with dish soap and rinse thoroughly.

De-chlorinated Water: Chlorine can be boiled out of water or even allowed to dissipate in an open container overnight. Most municipalities now use chloramine, which is much harder to remove. You can use tap water and an aquarium water conditioner to remove chlorine and chloramine, use spring water, drinking water, or even collected rainwater (but keep in mind rain water will introduce potentially harmful microbes).

3% Hydrogen Peroxide: Hydrogen peroxide is an all-purpose tool when dealing with cacti and especially seedlings. It can be misted on the seedlings to help kill fungus and some pests, and can be added to your water at a 1:15 ratio of 3% H₂O₂ to water (1 tablespoon per cup) or 1/4 cup 3% H₂O₂ per 1 gallon of water. You will also soak your seeds in it to kill any pathogens on the surface.

• 1/4” Sieve
• Spray Bottle
• Microwave (optional)
• Seedling Heat Map (optional)
• T5 Grow Light (optional)

1/4“ Sieve: You will use this often when creating soil mixes. A 1/4” sieve is suitable for removing bark from soil mixes and for selecting finer granular materials to mix into the soil. You can make one from #4 galvanized screening, or purchase an inexpensive set from an online retailer.

Spray Bottle: You will use this for watering in your seeds, for spraying down any fungus, for watering the seedlings, and for a number of other things. A good sprayer with a fine mist is fine, but a fancy atomizing sprayer isn't needed. You want a little “weight” to the spray.

Microwave (optional): A microwave can be used to sterilize soil, if desired.

Seedling Heat Map (optional): Seedlings do best between 75 and 85 degrees F. A heat map can help the seedlings sprout and grow faster, but do not exceed 85 degrees.

T5 Grow Light (optional): Your seedlings will need light as they grow; an inexpensive T5 or a T5-sized LED grow light is fine.