Kohlrabi Germination ,Growing ,Care, Use and its Health Benefits.

Kohlrabi is a fast-growing vegetable and good tastes too. Kohlrabi is a perennial and cool seasonal vegetable.It is capable of all type of temperature but most growth will occur in winter.There are two types of Kohlrabi -one is purple and the other is white. Kohlrabi is sweeter than the other cabbage family.


SPECIFICATION OF KOHLRABI

LOCATION

Full sun and a well-draining pattern are good for kohlrabi.Kohlrabi prefers a soil within the 5.5 gm 6.8 range. Work aged compost into planting beds before sowing.

TIME

Kohlrabi takes time to grow, it requires 45 to 60 days to reach maturity. Though it is a cool weather crop but too cold is harmful to it. It should be sowed in the garden 3 to 4 weeks before the last average frost date in spring. In warm winter regions, sow kohlrabi in late summer for winter harvest. Kohlrabi can withstand an early autumn frost. In cold winter regions, sow kohlrabi in summer for early autumn harvest.


USE FUNGICIDE

It is best to use by mixing 2gms of fungicide in 10-litre water and spray it on the soil before sowing seeds. Or use in any plant at first time when you place in soil or repot.


PLANT SPACING

 Sow kohlrabi seed ½ inch deep and 1 inch apart; thin successful seedlings from 5 to 8 inches apart. Space rows 18 to 24 inches apart. Thinned seedlings can be transplanted to another part of the garden.

IMPORTANT WATERING USE: Use watering as it required.Keep soil evenly moist for quick growth. Kohlrabi that goes without water will become woody. By moving the water stream constantly waves the can. Do not let the water to flood area. Or use sprayer to spray the water like mist

HARVESTING

  Kohlrabi needs to harvest.It will ready for harvest when stems reach 2 to 3 inches in diameter.

Pomelo -How to peal a Pomelo Germination ,Growing ,Care, Use and its Health Benefits.

How to peal a Pomelo :

Step 1
At first, we need a cutter  to cut about 1/2 an inch into the rind.
 
Step 2
Cut the top of the pomelo off until you can almost see the fruit inside.Dig your fingers underneath the slice at the top (where you cut the cap) and pull each one firmly away.

Step 3
Remove the  skin lengthwise around the pomelo by  hand . It’s quite a thick skin so you want to cut through quite deeply before.

Step 4
 Break it into wedges and serve.

Pomelo Fruit Germination ,Growing ,Care, Use and its Surprising Health Benefits.

Pomelo is a subtropical and largest fruit tree. It likes warm climate and grows especially in summer. Pomelo fruit has sweet flesh and thick rind.Though it does not like cold weather if you want to grow it in cold season then it should be placed in a pot.It can be grown from seed which may not look the same as their parent.

BENEFITS OF POMELO

Pomelo has following benefits

 1. Pomelo fights against UTI (Urinary Tract Infection). Basically UTI is an infection which is caused by bacteria. It has the job of storing and eliminating urinary. Drinking pomelo juice is very good for those women who are pregnant. Due to high Vitamin C in it, helps to increase the acidity of urine to defend infection.

 2. Pomelo juice is also helpful to reduce the risk of stroke and heart attack. It contains high levels of potassium which regulates blood pressure and reduces bad cholesterol in human body.

3. Pomelo contains high levels of potassium and magnesium which helps to muscle cramps. Adding pomelo fruit daily in diet, it will increase leg cramps. Most importantly it can interact very badly with numerous drugs.

4. The pomelo fruit is rich in bioflavonoids, an antioxidant that obstructs especially from the breast,  intestinal, colon, and pancreatic cancers. It helps to eliminate the excess estrogen from the body and preventing cancer from spreading which can protect the body from cell damage.

5.Pomelo is also full of fibre which is very helpful to those people who want lose weight. As we know most of the calories are burned due to fibre that causes losing weight.

6.Potassium found in pomelo that has been connected to bone mineral density. Eating pomelos three times in a week will strengthen bones and preventing osteoporosis.

7.Pomelo also works as an antibody. It stimulates immune cells to guard the body against bacteria that cause cold, flu, asthma and allergies.

Snake Gourd Seeds Germination ,Growing ,Care, Use and its Health Benefits.

 Snake gourd belongs to a large vegetable family and of course, it is a climbing plant by nature.  It produces long and curved fruits that appear like snake hanging on the ground.It is a subtropical plant and very easy to grow fast from seed. It likes warm climate and produces lots of fruit for a long time.Snake gourd is very ethnic in India especially North and it belongs cucumber family.

SPECIFICATION OF SNAKE GOURD


Height: vining

Environment: partial shade
Soil Type: Loamy, well-drained, pH 6.1 - 7.8

Average Germ Time: 14 - 21 days

Depth: 1/4 inch

Moisture: Keep seeds moist until germination

 BIENNIAL PLANT

Biennials are sown like half-hardy annuals or perennials in spring or fall and planted out in September and October. Winter annuals such as some Californian and desert plants may be grown in summer, but are at their best sown in fall, even if grown in the greenhouse in cold winter areas.


   USE FUNGICIDE

It is best to use by mixing 2gms of fungicide in 10-litre water and spray it on the soil before sowing seeds. Or use in any plant at first time when you place in soil or repot.


 GERMINATION

 Snake gourd is very easy to grow from seed. Its seed can be shown directly to the soil.

1.Sprinkle diluted fungicide water (2gm in 1-litre water) after sowing the seeds.We have to care about putting the seed because seeds will not go deep into the mixture.


Snake Gourd seeds are notoriously slow to germinate and sprout.  Then you need to rough up the surface of each snake gourd seed in order to speed up their germination and growth. Then you need to soak the selected the seeds in water for full 24 hours before planting them. Select a place which receives six or more hours of direct sunlight to plant the seeds. The soil should be well-drained and well worked and enough rich soil.

This plant need strong support to prevent their fruits from touching the ground. Therefore it is recommended to create a fence. After sowing the seeds in the soil with 3 inches of peat moss, 2 inches of compost and 1 inch of perlite. Then you need to make sure the soil is warm enough in order to support the germination process.

You need to plan sow the seeds during spring. Need to push the soil to a depth of half inch by hand.Sow the seeds  apart  12 inches between the seeds. Everything as  order  get the opportunity to yield the vegetable in 2 months’ time. To  make it  more length knot a string down word the fruits with  a little weight.Then it will  be straight and lengthy.

USES OF SNAKE GOURD

The followings are a few advantages of snake gourd -

1.The juice of the snake gourd fruit may be used to not just deal with dandruff but in addition helps to avoid the signs and symptoms of the condition.

2.The leaves of the plant are helpful just as one emetic as well as purgative in youngsters struggling with bowel problems.

3.It really is abundant with proteins, vitamins A, B and C in addition to minerals.

Koromcha or Caronda Germination ,Growing ,Care, Use and its Surprising Health Benefits.

Caronda is a perennial evergreen plant. It needs subtropical climate until available grows up.Its seed will be available in 3 weeks time.Caronda can be also termed as an ornamental plant.Its fruits are oval type.It is a bushy  or small tree, with strong, simple or forked thorns in pairs. The plant attains a height of 6-10ft. It is met with throughout India, Burma, Ceylon and Malacca, mostly on sandy or rocky soil in a wild state. Leaves are evergreen, elliptic, or oval, opposite, dark green, leathery, glossy, on the upper surface, light green on under side.It is sometimes cultivated for its fruit.


SPECIFICATION OF CARONDA


Season: Perennial

Height:1 to 2 meters
Environment: Full sun
Soil Type: Loamy, well-drained, pH 6.1 - 7.8
Average Germ Time: 14 - 21 days
Depth: 1/4 inch

Moisture: Keep seeds moist until germination

GERMINATION OF CARONDA SEED

Step 1

Use a flat seedling tray and its deep will be 5 centimetres. Make sure you have plenty of holes in it for good water drainage.

Step 2

As the seeds are perfect in size then you can put the seeds over it by 1/3 after that cover the seeds with seedling mix only about 1 cm (one centimetre).


Step 3
 Take equal quantity of sand, soil and vermicompost. Then mix all the three ingredients into one container.

Step 4
  
Sprinkle diluted fungicide water (2gm in 1-liter water) after sowing the seeds.Be careful about putting the seed because seeds will not go deep into the mixture.


 Step 5
 Thereafter spread the Caronda seeds in the mixture.Make sure that the water must be mixed with diluted fungicide powder.It is very important to notice to follow that the seeds will not to go very deep inside the mixture by speeding water on the seed, if it happen then the fertilization of the seeds are become difficult.




Step 6
Minimum  warm, above 60ºF (15.5ºC), is needed inside the container and it should be placed in sunny area.After that the whole thing should be covered with a poly bag and after 21 days later the plastic can be removed.



The plant is grown from seed sown in August and September. Vegetative propagation also is practiced in the form of budding and inarching. Cuttings may also succeed. The first monsoon shower is planting time. Plants raised from seed start bearing two years after planting. Flowering starts in February and in Eastern  India the fruit ripens from May to Jully.The unripe fruit is sour and astringent, and is used for pickles. The ripe fruit is sweet, deible and particularly suitable for tarts and puddings and jellies.

WATER: Water requirement of Karonda is very low. Irrigation after planting and manuring is essential. Plantation once established does not need much water. However, if there is no rain during the development of fruit, one irrigation may be given. This will increase the fruit size.


MORE INFORMATION

Many of these germinate readily at warm temperatures, and can be sown direct to the garden or early in the greenhouse or cold frame. If started early, they often bloom the first year. Others germinate best at cool or cold temperatures and the seedlings need cool temperatures. Many have various dormancy and need the pre-treatment indicated.


These often need very warm temperatures. Bottom heat and constant moisture are often beneficial. Some take surprisingly long times to germinate. Many people think all tropical seeds are short-lived and perishable, but many of the longest-lived seeds are tropical, and some even need to be aged dry for a year before they will germinate!


SOIL

Many seeds do well sown direct to ordinary garden soil, but even good soil may be poor in pots or flats. These need a lighter, looser soil. Most commercial mixes are fine, but the addition of some garden soil and compost will often insure adequate beneficial micro-organisms and fungi, A good soil mix can be made at home from 1/3 garden loam, 1/3 peat or compost, and 1/3 gritty sand. Number 1 limestone chick-grit makes a good top dressing for many alpines or slow germinating seed to discourage algae growth. Crushed charcoal also helps.


BENEFITS

Karonda have the following benefits-

1.It provides comfort during Diarrhea.

2.It mitigates cough.

3.Koromcha helps to stop internal bleeding.

4.It is a cardio tonic for body. Thus it regulates heart function to avoid heart diseases.

Hibiscus Flower Germination ,Growing ,Care, Use and its Benefits.

Hibiscus is an Indian perennial flower. It is known for its large, showy flowers that come in a different range of shapes and colours.Its foliage looked like a large, glossy and yellow in color.It can be purchased or collected from the parent plants.


Sow in early spring for use as an annual
Plant in spring or autumn and grow them on in the greenhouse for their first year to plant them out in early summer of the following year.
For best germination soak seed in hot water for 48 hours before sowing. Change the water ever 12 hours with fresh hot water.
Sow in trays or pots of peaty compost, cover seeds with a sprinkling of sieved compost. Darkness will help germination. Place in a propagator or warm place, maintaining an optimum temperature of 24 to 27°C (75 to 80°F). Plants will flower in 12 weeks from sowing.



SPECIFICATION OF HIBISCUS

Bloom Color: Red,yellow,pink,white,gray
Environment: Full sun
Soil Type: Loamy, well-drained, pH 6.1 - 7.8
Temperature of 24 to 27°C (75 to 80°F)

Average Germ Time: 15 -30 days
Depth: 1/4 inch
Moisture: Keep seeds moist until germination
Sandy Soil, Loamy Soil, Clay Soil



GERMINATION GUIDE

 Hibiscus flower seed germination is not too complicated. Here are some following steps to germinate -

1. The seeds can be sowed 6-8weeks before the last frost is predicted.

2.Make sure that the water must be mixed with diluted fungicide powder.

3.This seed needs to nicking with a knife and then soaking them overnight in warm water.

4.Thereafter the flower seeds can be sowed into a small scalding tray or pot.It must be noticed that the drain pattern of the scalding tray well so that the poured water can be easily come out.

5. Then slowly cover the tray with a plastic polythene and keep the seeds moist not soggy.

6. Keep the temperature constantly warm and the soil consistently moist will aid germination.

7. When the seeds will grow up with small leaves then the plant can be moved to larger pots or direct to the soil.

8.These tender young plants should be introduced to the sun gradually over several days. At this point, a water-soluble fertilizer can be used.

BENEFITS OF HIBISCUS FLOWER

Hibiscus is a beneficial flower plant. Its different parts are used in many different sources. The tea of Hibiscus flower helps to maintain lowering cholesterol, protects the liver, work as anti-cancer properties, weight lose and many others.

Mexican Zinnia Seeds Germination ,Growing and Care.

Mexican Zinnia is beautiful native flower plant can grow to 24 inches. It is a hardy plant grows especially in summer.It needs full sun to germinate its seed.

SPECIFICATION OF MEXICAN ZINNIA


Indoors: March to April
Start indoors four to six weeks before the last frosts.
Gradually acclimatize indoor started seedlings outdoors after all danger of frost has passed and the weather has warmed considerably. Plant out 25 to 30cm (10 to 12in) apart.


GERMINATION GUIDE

1. Sowing Outdoors in April to July.Dig in a good amount of organic material.
2. Create a bed on the ground with vermicompost or take seedling tray and cover the tray with vermicompost.
3. Add compost and all-purpose fertilizer before sowing.As because seeds of zinnia flowers can be sown directly into the sunny flower bed, as developing roots do not like to be disturbed.
4. Sow the seeds in a container that can be planted directly into the garden later.
5. Sow seeds after the last frost, and in an area with full of sun. Sow seeds 5 to 7cm (2 to 3in) apart in rows 30cm (12in) apart. Cover seeds with light soil.
6. Keep soil moist until seeds germinate, in 5 to 10 days.
7. Grow in fertile, rich, and well-drained soil
8. Germinate within 7 - 14 days.
9. the seeds in peat pots, poo pots (pots made from cow dung) or other biodegradable containers that can be planted directly into the garden later. Start seeds four to six weeks before the last frost date in your area.
10. Read more about Gardening Know How: Zinnia Care – How To Grow Zinnia Flowers https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/flowers/zinnia/growing-zinnia-flowers.htm

CARE AFTER GERMINATION

• When plants are 3 to 5cm (1 to 2in) in height, transplant to 7cm (3in) pots and grow on. Gradually acclimatize indoor started seedlings outdoors after all danger of frost has passed and the weather has warmed considerably. Plant out 25 to 30cm (10 to 12in) apart.
• Cut above a leaf node to get more flowers.

WATERING :

Watering it daily but do not over-water the plant.

Pomegranate seed germination and its Wonderful Heath Benefits

Pomegranate plant comes in a shrub.It has large fruits and small flowers usually one inch in diameter which is red or orange.It likes good sunlight and good drainage system. The fruits are usually harvested in September and December.
SPECIFICATION OF POMEGRANATE
USDA Zones: 3 - 10
Height: 60 - 84 inches
Bloom Season: September to December
Environment: Full sun
Soil Type: Loamy, well-drained, pH 6.1 - 7.8
Temperature: 75 - 80F
Average Germ Time: 14 - 21 days
Depth: 1/4 inch
Moisture: Keep seeds moist until germination
Plant Spacing: 10 to 12 feet apart
Sandy Soil, Loamy Soil, Clay Soil
Sow Outdoors: Surface. Following the last frost. Spacing 4 to 24 inches (10 to 60 cm).
Sow Indoors: Mix seeds in a growing medium, place in a freezer bag, keep moist, then stratify by refrigeration for two to three weeks. Use peat pots. Germination time: one to three weeks in the light. Temperature 75°F (24°C). Seven or eight weeks in advance. Transplant outdoors in the last month of spring.
GERMINATION GUIDE
Step 1
Use a flat seedling tray and its deep will be 5 centimetres. Make sure you have plenty of holes in it for good water drainage.
Step 2
As the seeds are perfect in size then you can put the seeds over it by 1/3 after that cover the seeds with seedling mix only about 1 cm (one centimetre)
Step 3
Take equal quantity of sand, soil and vermicompost. Then mix all the three ingredients into one container.
Step 4

Sprinkle diluted fungicide water (2gm in 1-litre water) after sowing the seeds.
Step 5
Thereafter spread the Pomegranate seeds on the mixture. Make sure that the water must be mixed with diluted fungicide powder.It is very important to notice to follow that the seeds will not to go very deep inside the mixture by speeding water on the seed if it happens then the fertilization of the seeds are becoming difficult.
Step 6
Cover the seedling pot   tightly plastic polythene wrap over the pot to promote soil moisture retention and place it in a dimly light area of the house. Lift the plastic after 2  days to check that the soil is moist or not. If not, lightly moisten it with a water-filled spray bottle before replacing the plastic. Expect germination within three to five days.
Step 7
Remove the plastic as soon as the seedlings emerge, and gradually move the pot to a brighter area over a two-week period so that at the end of that time they're acclimated to being in full sunlight.
FERTILIZING
Pomegranates are fast growers and heavy feeders and benefit from regular applications of fertilizer. Mature trees may require as much as 1/2 pound actual nitrogen per year. Apply fertilizer monthly, just prior to heavy pruning.
IMPORTANT WATERING USE: Use watering can for watering. By moving the water stream constantly waves the can. Do not let the water to flood area. Or use the sprayer to spray the water like mist.

Heath Benefits of Pomegranate

It is one of the healthiest fruits in the  world . It has many incredible health benefits . It  has rich anti-oxidant, anti-viral and anti-tumor properties and is said to be a good source of vitamins.Especially with  vitamin A, vitamin C, and vitamin E, also with folic acid.
1. Protects us from free radicals work for Anti Ageing

Pomegranate is rich in anti-oxidants and  protects our body from free radicals, which are responsible for premature ageing.
2. It thins your blood
Antioxidants present in pomegranate act as a 'thinner for your blood'. The seeds of pomegranate prevent your blood platelets from forming clots and coagulating.
There are two types of blood clots, first is the good one which speeds the recovery during a cut or an injury and second is when there is any internal clot, like in heart, arteries or anywhere else inside the body. These type of clots are not good and can be fatal.

3. It acts like an oxygen mask

The anti-oxidant property of pomegranate prevents bad cholesterol from oxidizing. Due to anti-oxidants present in pomegranate, it fights to free radicals and  reduces cholesterol and also prevents the blood clot.Pomegranate helps to pump the level of oxygen in our blood. So, eating regular pomegranates removes the excess fat and prevents the Heart Attack.

4. It prevents arthritis
Pomegranate can reduce the damage of the cartilage by fighting the enzyme that does so. Pomegranate also has the ability to reduce inflammation.
5. Boosts immunity
Pomegranates are extremely healthy for those suffering from immune-related disorders like rheumatoid arthritis and osteroarthrits. And also rich in vitamin C, which boosts antibody production and helps in the development of immunity. Pomegranates can  help to maintain a healthy immune system .
6. Fights heart disease and prostate cancer

Two studies claim that pomegranate juice has the ability to fight prostate cancer. Pomegranate juice  prevents cardiovascular diseases.
7. Rich  nutrients with  pomegranate
A cup of pomegranate seed contains 24 grams of sugar and 144 calories.
A cup of pomegranate seeds contain following nutrients:
Fiber: 7 grams
Protein: 3 grams
Folate: 16 %
Potassium: 12 %
Vitamin C: 30 %
Vitamin K: 36 %
8. It improves memory

People who had a problem with their memory were given 237ml of pomegranate juice every day. After a certain period of time, a lot of improvement was seen in their verbal and visual memory.  Pomegranate consumption can also prevent Alzheimer's.

9. It keeps lowers blood pressure
It  help to lower cholesterol, triglycerides and reduce blood pressure.

 
10. Helps in digestion

As pomegranate with rich fiber is good for digestion. One pomegranate contains 45 per cent of our daily recommended intake of fiber.

Nigella plant Germination ,Growing ,Care, and Uses.

 

Nigella is a colourful annual flower. It has many different colours like 
 pale blue, white, pink etc.

SPECIFICATION OF NIGELLA


Difficulty Easy
Exposure: Full sun
Season: Half hardy annual.
USDA Zones: 3 - 10
Height: 8 to 20 inches (20 to 50 cm).
Bloom Season: Summer through fall
Environment: Full sun
Soil Type: Loamy, well-drained, pH 6.1 - 7.8
Average Germ Time: 14 - 21 days
Sowing Temperature: 20--25C
Growing Temperature: 18--35C
Grow up / Flower days : 80days
Spacing:15×15cm
Colour of Flower: Light blue
Depth: 1/4 inch
Moisture: Keep seeds moist until germination
Plant Spacing: 20-30cm (8-12″).
Soil: Fertile, well-drained soil.
Optimal soil temperature for germination: 18-21°C (65-70°F). Seeds should sprout in 8-15 days.


 GERMINATION GUIDE :

Step 1

Use a flat seedling tray and its deep will be 10 centimetres, and fill seedling mediator within 3/4  of the rim with a sterile potting soil or sieved vermicompost. Fill the tray with diluted fungicide water (2gm in 1-litre water). Make sure you have plenty of holes in it for good water drainage. And  Allow the soil in the flat to absorb the water through the bottom drainage holes until the soil surface becomes moist.

 Step 2

Sow the seeds in prepared beds and gently press them into the surface. Keep moist until the seeds germinate. Because of their lacy foliage, nigella seedlings are easy to recognize among weeds. Nigella usually grows better from direct-sown seeds than from transplanted seedlings.Keep the distance 11" with the other plants.Try to sow seeds two or three times from late spring to early summer, because they stay  only few weeks. Flower colours include white, blue, pink and purple.

Step 3
Moist again with diluted fungicide water ensure the soil surface it's evenly moist. Cover tightly plastic polythene wrap over the pot to promote soil moisture retention and place it in a 60 to 70 degree Fahrenheit location or in an artificial area of the house that receives indirect light to germinate if it planted in a seedling pot. Lift the plastic after two days  to check that the soil is moist or not. If not, lightly moisten it with a water-filled spray bottle before replacing the plastic.


Step 4
 
The Nigella usually sprout within14 to 21 days.Remove the plastic as soon as the seedlings emerge, and gradually move the pot to a brighter area with six to eight hours of daily sunlight for a two-week period so that at the end of that time they're acclimated to being in full sunlight. Water the seedlings when the soil surface feels dry.

 Step 5

Transplant the Nigella outdoors or in a new pot when they are about 4 weeks old and about 4 to 6 inches tall. Plant at them 6 to 8 inches apart on the ready ground with same depth were they growing at previously.




GERMINATION CARE
After the seedlings germinate, they can relocate to a sunny south- or west-facing window. The soil is kept moist at all times, but not allowed to get soggy. Once the seedlings have three true leaves, they are fed every two weeks with a liquid houseplant fertilizer. Pinching out the growth tips isn't necessary.




IMPORTANT WATERING USE: Use watering can for watering. By moving the water stream constantly waves the can. Do not let the water to flood area. Or use sprayer to spray the water like mist

How To Grow Lithops Cactus and Care

Lithops cactus are often called "living stones" and yet look like hooves. These small, juicy gaps are native to the deserts of South Africa but are often sold at garden centres and nurseries. Lithops thrive in compacted soil, and with high temperatures and little water blisters. While it is relatively easy to grow, a little information about lithops will help you learn how to thrive living stone in your garden.

SPECIFICATION OF LITHOPS CACTUS

Zones-2-10
Light Requirements-Full Sun
Flower Color-pink
Mature Height-48-52" tall
Bloom Time-Mid summer until frost
Plant Type / Life Cycle-Annual
Planting Time-Spring / Summer
 Soil Type-Sandy Soil, Loamy Soil, Acidic Soil
Soil Moisture-Average, Well Draining

INFORMATION ABOUT LITHOPS

There are many colour names for plants in the genus Lithops. Gravel Plants, mimicry plants, stones with flowers etc. are descriptive nicknames with unique shape and growth habit.

Lithops are small, rarely more than one inch above the bottom surface, usually with only two leaves. The thick padded represent the gap left at the foot of an animal or just a pair of grey-green brownstone clustered together.

These plants do not have a true mother and a large part them stays underground.

ADAPTATION OF LITHOPS

Lithops grow in inhospitable areas with limited water and nutrients. Because most of the body of the plant stays under the ground, in which foliage mainly collect energy from the sun. As a result, the system has developed a unique way to improve insolation with "windows " on the surface of the plate. These transparent areas are filled with calcium oxalate, the creation of a reflective facet of light increases.

Another fascinating adaptation of Lithops cactus is the longevity of the seed capsules. Humidity is rare in the wild, so the seeds remain viable in the soil for months.

LITHOPS CHARACTER

Lithops, popularly known as "stones with flowers" or "living stones" are true mimicry plants: the shape, size and colour make it resemble small stones in their natural environment. This is a good means of protection. Grazing animals during drought find it difficult to identify these plants for moisture. Even experts in the field sometimes have trouble finding plants for study because of this unusual deceptive camouflage.

HOW TO GROW PLANTS LIVING STONES

Living stones growing in pots is preferable for most but in the hottest areas. Lithops do well in a mixture of potting compost included with some sand.

Potting media is to be dried before adding moisture and then placed in a bright environment. Now place the plant in the south window for optimal light input.

Propagation is done by the division of seed, although seedlings take many months and years to grow before it resembles the parent plant. You can find the seeds on the Internet or succulent nurseries.

Cactus Mammillaria

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Growing a Cactus from Seed

Growing plants from seed are not as hard as you might think – even though many of us have tried and failed! One of the most common mistakes people make is planting the seeds too deeply. You should only plant a seed as deep in the soil as the seed is wide. When seeds are planted too deeply the tiny plants emerge and begin to grow but do not reach the surface before they run out of stored food. Follow these instructions for growing cacti from seed and you will surely be successful.

SEED: It is best to use fresh seed when growing most cacti. Seed can be obtained from a commercial source or collected from a plant in your collection.
Organ pipe fruit is to be cut in half to expose seeds.Take care when collecting seed from a cactus collection. Some cactus species hybridize freely and true seed cannot be assured unless pollination has been monitored carefully.

SOIL: A good potting mix, amended with ½ its volume of granite, perlite or pumice for drainage, makes a good mix of growing cacti. It is important that the soil is pest-free. To pasteurize soil, put it in a shallow heatproof pan and place it in the oven at 300 degrees F for 30 minutes. Most commercial soils are at least pasteurized, if not sterilized.



PLANTING: Be sure that the containers to be used are clean. The type of container is not important, but shallow ones are preferred. Water the soil thoroughly and let it drain completely before planting. Spread the seeds evenly over the soil and cover lightly with the mix or very fine sand. When planted, cover the container with any transparent lid. This will retain moisture and allow light to reach the seedlings.



GERMINATION: Cactus seeds need both light and warmth to germinate. A sunny window is a good location, but be careful the light is not too strong and therefore too hot. The moisture retained by the cover should be sufficient to germinate the seeds.The majority of seeds germinate best at a temperature between 70 and 75'F, and some seedlings may appear within a week or 10 days. At lower temperatures, germination usually takes considerably longer. Failing a propagator, many people make use of a warm place such as the airing cupboard, or near the kitchen boiler, but the seed pans must be moved into a good light as soon as the first germinations have taken place. From late Spring onwards, a sunny window-sill or greenhouse may be used, but in such cases, the seedlings must be protected from direct sun, for which a double thickness of butter muslin will serve as well as anything. Most cactus seeds germinate within 3 weeks, but some take much longer – be patient. Once the spines are showing, raise the cover for ventilation during the day. Do not allow the soil to dry out. The amount of water will depend on how much light and heat the seedlings receive. Watch the seedlings carefully. Do not swamp them in puddled water and use led ceiling light to create the temperature if needed.




REPOTTING: Seedlings are ready to transplant into larger containers when they are the size of marbles between 6 months to a year after germination. Be sure the soil mix is well drained, and the container is no larger than twice the diameter of the plant. At this size, plants can be grown in clumps or groups of 6-8 per pot until they are about 1 inch across, then separated and individually repotted. Lift the small plants carefully from the growing mix, place in the new container, firm the soil around the roots, and water in.It is usually best to let the young plants recover from transplanting in a shaded area. Even in cacti that naturally grow with full sun, seedlings will be tender to the full sun until they are older. Acclimate a young plant to the sun gradually beginning when it is about 1 inch across. It is often easier to acclimate young plants to the sun in the winter, and provide some shade in the summer until they are about 3 inches.

Caution: Pests, like Sciarids or Mushroom flies, are the most dangerous insects for young seedlings, which lay their eggs in damp compost and seem attracted to compost containing leaf-mould. The grubs which hatch out seem particularly partial to small seedlings and will either eat the entire plant or leave nothing but an empty shell. The flies are small and black and hover or walk over the compost. They can be dealt with at the grub stage by spraying the seed-pan with a systemic insecticide, which may also kill some adults. This appears to be harmless to the seedlings. The risk of sciarid attack continues for as long as the seedlings are kept damp, though it seems unlikely that the grubs will attack a well-grown 18-month-old seedling. Small slugs are another potential cause of considerable losses, though these can usually be seen without difficulty and precautions are straightforward.